Something New Under the Sun

Patrick Hamlin arrives in Los Angeles to oversee the film adaptation of his novel, only to find a California transformed by environmental crisis. The state's water supply has been replaced by WAT-R, a synthetic substitute manufactured by a powerful corporation, while wildfires and ecological collapse reshape the landscape. Working on the movie set, Patrick becomes entangled with Cassidy Carter, the film's lead actress, whose behavior grows increasingly erratic. As he navigates Hollywood's complex machinery, he uncovers disturbing questions about WAT-R's true nature and its effects on the population. The story moves between Patrick's growing involvement in Hollywood's dark mysteries and the domestic life he left behind in New York, where his wife and daughter face their own uncertainties. Through its blend of noir and speculative fiction, the novel examines humanity's relationship with the natural world and the ways corporate power shapes both environmental and personal realities in an era of climate crisis.

Readers describe this climate fiction novel as unsettling and anxiety-inducing in its portrayal of a water-scarce Los Angeles. Positive reviews highlight: - The blend of Hollywood satire with environmental concerns - Sharp observations about consumer culture - Creative world-building around synthetic water - Strong character development of the protagonist Patrick - Dark humor throughout the narrative Common criticisms: - Plot pacing feels uneven, especially in middle sections - Some side characters lack depth - The ending leaves too many questions unanswered - Environmental messaging can feel heavy-handed Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (450+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Hits close to home for anyone in California" - Goodreads reviewer "Started strong but lost steam halfway through" - Amazon reviewer "The WAT-R concept is terrifying because it feels so possible" - LibraryThing review

The Book of X by Sarah Rose Etter A woman's struggles with her body and reality unfold against a surreal backdrop of meat quarries and corporate exploitation, echoing Kleeman's exploration of consumption and environmental devastation.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh The protagonist's withdrawal from society through pharmaceutical escapism mirrors themes of isolation and commodification present in Kleeman's work.

The Employees by Olga Ravn This series of workplace interviews aboard a spaceship examines humanity's relationship with objects and artificial life, connecting to Kleeman's focus on consumption and authenticity.

Weather by Jenny Offill A librarian's observations of climate anxiety and modern life intersect with themes of environmental crisis and human adaptation found in Kleeman's novel.

Fake Accounts by Lauren Oyler A woman's discovery of her boyfriend's online conspiracy theories leads to an examination of truth and performance in digital culture, reflecting Kleeman's interest in media and authenticity.

🌟 California's water crisis inspiration reflects reality - the state faced its worst drought in 1,200 years during 2020-2021, making the novel's WAT-R premise eerily prescient. 🎬 Author Alexandra Kleeman's dystopian vision was partly influenced by her time working in the film industry, where she experienced firsthand the disconnect between fictional narratives and reality. 💧 The novel's synthetic WAT-R draws parallels to real-world water privatization issues, like Nestlé's controversial bottling of California water during drought conditions. 🌍 The book received the 2022 Arthur C. Clarke Award for Imagination in Service to Society, recognizing its contribution to climate change discourse through fiction. 🎭 Like the protagonist Patrick Hamlin, many authors have written about their Hollywood adaptation experiences, including Michael Chabon's "Wonder Boys" and Stephen King's "Misery," creating a distinct literary subgenre.