Moths: A chilling dystopian thriller and a must-read debut for 2021

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We need to talk about Mary! It would have been easy to write a young protagonist looking ahead to her life in your world of secrets; what drew you to an older, retrospective protagonist instead? (Aside from, of course, the need for more representation of older women in general!) Definitely not for the squeamish as there is some content likely to upset those with a sensitive heart. In other words, there is colourful content aplenty. But then again, the world’s going to hell, and society is falling down everywhere you look, so what on earth do you expect. Some images will linger long in the memory. I have read and listened to some of the best horror books around ( Weaveworld being one of my all-time favourite books). I can honestly say Moths ranks up there with the best of them for chills down the spine. The graphic imagery is something that will stay with me for a long time. Exploring male violence against women, homo-normativity, and gynocracy, Moths is a powerful assessment of life through the lens of a main character in her 70s. A remastered and revitalised version of the previously self-published, smash-hit dystopian thriller by the same name, Moths shows us a new, post-pandemic world.

I also looked at the migratory patterns and distances of butterflies to model the collapse of the world – they can fly an incredible 1,200 to 2,800 miles or more. I also had a couple of medical friends look over the explanation I’d given on the toxin. They both made a face but agreed that if you squinted it was just about plausible. In what ways has the world changed post-infestation in Moths? There are scenes here, like one in a hospital and another in a suburban garden, which will stay with you. This book is literally nightmarish. It worked its way into my dreams. All around the world men are turning into crazed killers or dying in their sleep, as toxic threads find passage on every breath of wind. Still not sure? Why not read our interview with Garth Nix here to find out more about the one of the masters of fantasy world building. We recommend members be over 18, since we do discuss books with adult content, but this is not strictly enforced. Please be aware that there will be adult discussion in this group!So, what is feminist here? Clearly not the world itself, which paints all men as evil and all women as weak and incapable.

You may also opt to downgrade to Standard Digital, a robust journalistic offering that fulfils many user’s needs. Compare Standard and Premium Digital here. A divergent future with a thought-provoking feminist slant, perfect for those who loved The Power, The Handmaid's Tale and Vox. There is a sequel! I’m writing it now and I am very pleased with how it’s going (so far!). Sign up for the newsletter and I will give you updates on how it’s coming along, as well as additional content. Could the Moth thing really happen? Looking for a way to make it through March Madness? Well forturnately we’ve pulled together our top SFF Books for the month to help put a spring in your step and some Sci Fi into you veins! I honestly don’t know. I guess if someone finishes the novel and wants to talk about the ideas in it with someone else who’s read it – that is the absolute best I can wish for. What can you tell us about Book 2 of Moths, Toxxic?Moths is a haunting, powerful, and evocative story of a world turned upside down. The finest dystopian novels are hauntingly atmospheric, and Moths is no different. The home where Mary works has that dark, sinister, creepy vibe about it. I do not want to give away spoilers because there are enough in the synopsis, a few too many, in my opinion. Nevertheless, it is enough to be going on with. But I will say that the climactic conclusion to events is absolutely incredible; a full-on lump in the throat ending and one I will not forget for a long while. I wanted to explore what would happen if a percentage of men suddenly became violent. I wrote the novel at the height of the Me Too movement. Women, frustrated by the mental, emotional, sexual and cultural violence against women and girls that permeates our society, were screaming. Mary also brings contrast with the younger women, who tend to see men more as something to care, for or just to protect, rather than part of society; and that is also reflected in the way they treat those under their care. The gender role reversal in this new world was done subtly but had a big impact as all it did was have the women of the future describe the men how men describe women in this day and age. This stereotyping adds a level of absurdity as it highlights just how ridiculous it is to associate women with certain innate traits, but it is also quite jarring when you realise it feels quite unnatural to read men be described as weak and silly but it doesn’t feel strange reading women be described this way. Add to the fact that these men are staging protests for access to more education, etc, similar to what women had to do in the past to receive basic human rights, but when applied to men it really stands out how wrong and unfair this was. I find, as a woman today, we often accept that we were treated unjustly in the past but often forget how strict and narrow our lives actually were. Putting these same issues on men really makes it stand out how absurd it is to assume one sex is weaker than the other and then use this as a way to control. I do not want to give away spoilers because there are enough in the synopsis to start with. A few too many, in my opinion. Nevertheless, it is enough to be going on with.

Many years later, very few even remember what life was like before the change. Mary does, though, and when an opportunity presents itself, she is faced with soul-searching decisions to make. Will she cling to the only strand of the past she has left or will she risk it all in the name of equality? Let’s delve beneath the cover and into your dystopia. You’ve talked about being influenced by feminist dystopias, and also an article about a toxic caterpillar? Can you tell us more about how these two things merged into Moths?Mary has settled into this new world and takes care of the male residents at her facility. But she still remembers how things used to be and is constantly haunted by her memories. Of her family, of her joy, of… him.