The Electric State
| Author | Simon Stålenhag |
|---|---|
| Original title | Passagen |
| Genre | Dystopian science fiction |
| Published | September 25, 2018 (Skybound Books) (English) |
Publication date | September 25, 2018 |
| ISBN | 978-1-501-18141-2 |
The Electric State (Swedish: Passagen, lit. 'The Passage') is a 2018 dystopian science fiction illustrated novel by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. Set in an alternate technologically ravaged 1990s, it follows a teenage girl and her robot on a journey to the West Coast of the United States in search of her long-lost brother.
In 2017, the Russo brothers acquired film rights to the book.[1] They directed and produced a Netflix film of the same title.[2]
Premise
The book is told through a series of paragraphs, linked to large illustrations. The main story follows Michelle, a teenage orphan traveling to the West Coast with a robot companion, Skip, to find her long-lost brother. Flashbacks gradually reveal Michelle's past and the reason for her separation.
Intertwined with Michelle's journey are details of the novel's setting, Pacifica (later revealed to be California.) Pacifica is portrayed as a hyper-consumerist society in decline, with the vast majority of the population using brain-computer interfaces called Neurocasters to escape the trauma of a second civil war. Technological addiction has become a widespread issue, leading to a widespread breakdown of law and order through which Michelle must travel.
Reception
Critics at NPR and New York Journal of Books gave positive reviews.[3][4]
It received starred reviews from both Booklist and Publishers Weekly, where it was praised for the illustrations, writing, and structure of the graphic novel.[5][6]
Accolades
NPR named it one of the best books of 2018.[7]
References
- ^ Ohanesian, Liz (2 January 2019). "Road trip through post-apocalyptic California with a robot and a runaway in Simon Stålenhag's 'The Electric State'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Moore, Kasey. "'The Electric State' Netflix Movie: Everything We Know So Far". What's on Netflix. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Sheehan, Jason (21 October 2018). "Futuristic Dreams Turn To Nightmare In 'Electric State'". NPR KQED. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ "a book review by Craig DiLouie: The Electric State". www.nyjournalofbooks.com. Retrieved 2023-07-22.
- ^ Maguire, Susan. "Booklist Online: Leading Book Discovery". www.booklistonline.com. Retrieved 2025-04-14.
- ^ "The Electric State by Simon Stalenhag". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2023-07-22.
- ^ "Best Books of 2018: NPR | The Electric State". NPR. 2018. Retrieved April 28, 2021.