Telluria

Set in a future where a holy war has plunged the world back into a neo-feudal era, "Telluria" explores a fragmented landscape of competing ideologies and identities across Europe, China, and Russia. In this chaotic realm, the coveted substance tellurium offers euphoric bliss when expertly administered, but can also lead to death if mishandled. Through fifty chapters, Vladimir Sorokin presents a vivid tapestry of characters—from partisans to a dog-headed philosopher—each contributing to a rich and often brutal narrative. Max Lawton’s translation brings this complex world to life with a dynamic prose style reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy and William Gibson.