The Electric State
The Electric State
Book Brief
Beta143
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1990s
2017
Adult
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Electric State by Simon Stålenhag is a dystopian narrative set in an alternate 1997. It follows a young person journeying through a decaying Western United States, accompanied by a robot. The story is captured in a visual format, blending illustrations with textual narration, and explores themes of technology, memory, and societal collapse.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Nostalgic
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Simon Stålenhag's The Electric State captivates with its haunting, vividly illustrated dystopian narrative. Reviewers praise its mesmerizing art and atmospheric storytelling, but some find the plot less compelling compared to the visual experience. Overall, it's a striking fusion of artwork and narrative that challenges traditional storytelling boundaries.
Who Should Read The Electric State?
A reader who would enjoy Simon Stålenhag's The Electric State is likely captivated by dystopian landscapes, visual storytelling, and a blend of nostalgia and futuristic themes. Fans of Cormac McCarthy's The Road and Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? will appreciate its immersive, atmospheric narrative.
6,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Electric State was initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign, which far surpassed its original financial goal, signaling widespread public interest and support for the project.
Simon Stålenhag's unique blend of retro-futuristic art and storytelling in the book has inspired various multimedia adaptations, including discussions for a film adaptation by the Russo Brothers, known for directing several Marvel films.
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The visual and narrative style of The Electric State draws inspirations from the American landscape of the 1990s and combines them with dystopian and surreal elements, creating a distinctive and immersive atmosphere.
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143
Novel • Fiction
Western United States • 1990s
2017
Adult
13-18 years
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