In the world of Gliff, siblings Briar and Rose inhabit a near-future society that bears an unsettling resemblance to our own. The ubiquity of smartphones is still a dominant feature, with individuals constantly tethered to their devices. Moreover, most children wear an “educator” – a smartwatch that chronicles every interaction – on their wrist. The cloud stores detailed records of everyone’s identity and family history, accessible via facial recognition, with one notable exception: “unverifiables” like Briar and Rose, who eschew modern technology and exist on the periphery of society, avoiding detection. Should they be caught, unverifiables are subjected to “reeducation” and assigned to jobs that often entail deplorable working conditions.

Gliff narrates the story of two adolescents grappling with their own Brave New World, a phrase that is repeated and deconstructed throughout the novel. This somber and unusual book is replete with wordplay. I am unsure why I consistently find myself drawn to dystopian fiction that hits a little too close to home, but this particular novel resonated deeply with me. The dynamic between the two siblings and the pivotal encounter with a horse, which comes to symbolize their lives as acts of resistance, were aspects that I particularly enjoyed. Although the narrative is tinged with heartbreak, the authenticity of the characters’ humanity serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the dehumanizing surveillance state that surrounds them. Upon learning of the upcoming sequel, Glyph, I must admit that I am eager to read it upon its release.