First published in 1962, J.G. Ballard's mesmerizing and ferociously prescient novel imagines a terrifying future in which solar radiation and global warming have melted the polar ice caps and Triassic-era jungles have overrun a submerged and tropical London. Set during the year 2145, the novel follows biologist Dr. Robert Kerans and his team of scientists as they confront a surreal cityscape populated by giant iguanas, albino alligators, and endless swarms of malarial insects. Nature has swallowed all but a few remnants of human civilization, and, slowly, Kerans and his companions are transformed—both physically and psychologically—by this prehistoric environment. Echoing Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness—complete with a mad white hunter and his hordes of native soldiers—this "powerful and beautifully clear" (Brian Aldiss) work becomes a thrilling adventure and a haunting examination of the effects of environmental collapse on the human mind.

LOCATION: Maison Internationale des Associations, salle Albert Jacquard
Presenter: TBD
Starting time: 19:15 sharp
Format:

Members introduction (5-10 minutes)
Book presentation (20-30 minutes)

A brief history of the author’s life
A short summary of the book
Main ideas/themes

Group discussion (45-60 minutes), members' personal views on the book, opposing ideas, etc.
Announcement/info on next meeting (5 minutes)

Note: reading the book is not a "must" to attend the meeting, but encouraged if you want to actively participate in the discussion.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Upcoming events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/future

Past events: https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/_past

Presentation slides (recent): https://www.genevainternationalbookclub.com/post/slides-2026