Skip to content

ONE OF US

Written By:

Rich Cross
one us

In a dystopian alternate 1984, the spectre of genetic mutation has put the future of human society in jeopardy. Children who are identified as afflicted by physical and mental abnormalities are isolated from their families and their healthy peers and condemned to a life of unfulfilling hard labour. Yet this generation of ‘monsters’ is also born with powerful abilities that normal humans lack. The ruthlessly self-serving authorities want to identify the most capable and talented from amongst this group of marginalised, second-class youngsters and put their unique skill sets to other uses in the realms of espionage and warfare.

Setting the story in the southern states of the US, during the Reagan presidency, author DiLouie paints a picture of eugenic determinism in action that is as plausible as it is brutal. This is a society defined by ‘redneck’ culture, where Christian fundamentalism holds sway, and liberal ideas are viewed with intense suspicion. Children born with deformities are housed in residential schools (which are little more than a blend of prison and workhouse), afforded only the most basic of education and put to work on local farms. Only a few of the teachers show compassion or empathy towards their charges, while any act of defiance sends the perpetrator to endure the unseen horrors waiting for them in the discipline room.

DiLouie explores the rising tensions that threaten to upset the stability of this cruel and unjust world from many different perspectives, turning his attention to those who view these ‘freaks’ with contempt; those wanting to champion their right to a decent life; and those in local law enforcement trying to maintain what is a fragile peace. Amidst the ranks of these ‘different’ children, DiLouie presents the views of those content with their lot; those hopeful of a better, more comfortable, future for themselves; and those plotting a rebellion that could overthrow their cruel masters.

He also inhabits the heads of those in the federal state who want to weaponise the most ‘suitable’ of these youngsters (those who possess the skills of telekinesis, pyrokinesis, clairvoyance and clairsentience), and of families who hide the fact that their offspring is not as normal as everyone else assumes.

DiLouie focuses on dialogue, and on the internal monologue of his characters, over third-person narrative or detailed descriptions. It’s an extremely effective style, allowing him to focus on the emotional and psychological fallout of a series of personal calamities, frustrated ambitions and chilling crimes that reverberate throughout the isolated community.

When tensions inevitably explode, One of Us offers a potent and powerful vision of the volatile mix of retribution, justice, cruelty and liberation that is unleashed. DiLouie is an emotionally literate writer, able to see the moral complexities of the revolution he sets in motion, and its likely destination. The allegories and metaphors that can be found in the pages of this heartfelt novel speak for themselves. It’s possible to read One of Us as a treatise on the corrosive consequences of intolerance, social exclusion and inequality. But it’s no less rewarding to treat DiLouie’s novel as a captivating, if sometimes harrowing, foray into a vividly evoked fictional world which reveals an unsustainable society that is doomed by its own contradictions.

ONE OF US / AUTHOR: CRAIG DILOUIE / PUBLISHER: ORBIT / RELEASE DATE: JULY 19TH

Rich Cross

You May Also Like...

chinese remake of anaconda drops trailer

ANACONDA Trailer Grants First Look At Remake Of 1997 Horror Flick

Three sequels and a spinoff-crossover film wasn’t enough for the 1997 creature feature Anaconda, which not only has a new movie in development, but is getting a Chinese remake! From
Read More
black widow star scarlett johansson in talks to lead new universal jurassic world film

Scarlett Johansson In Talks To Join JURASSIC WORLD Film

Another MCU star appears to be taking up the reins for Universal’s new Jurassic World movie: two-time Oscar nominee Scarlett Johansson is reportedly in talks to lead the franchise that
Read More

Exclusive Reveal! Titan Comics to Deliver Prehistoric Hysterics in First 2 DUMB DINOS Collection

Titan Comics have exclusively revealed to STARBURST that they’re gearing up to publish the first-ever collection of the hilarious cult digital comic strip 2 Dumb Dinos, and we’re not the
Read More

New Dates For Lovecraftian Key of Dreams

Key of Dreams has announced new spaces for its titular immersive luxury horror event. The critically acclaimed company is known for its overnight experiences that dunk you into a strange
Read More

FAB Café to Host Free Film Screening of New Indie Comedy SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY

We’re well known for our championing of truly independent filmmakers here at STARBURST, so it’s doubly exciting to be writing about one of our own! After joining the crew in
Read More
colin farrell returns as oswald cobblepot in the penguin series trailer

Colin Farrell Returns In THE PENGUIN Trailer

Colin Farrell returns as Gotham City’s answer to Tony Soprano in the first trailer for Max series The Penguin, which spins out of the world of the 2022 DC film
Read More