Karin Boye

Leo Kall is a zealous, middle-ranking scientist in the totalitarian World State who has just made a thrilling discovery: a new drug, Kallocain, that will force anyone who takes it to tell the truth. At last, criminality will be dragged out into the open and private thought can finally be outlawed. But can the World State be trusted with Kallocain? For that matter - can Kall himself be trusted? Written as the terrible events of the Second World War were unfolding, Karin Boye's classic dystopian novel speaks more clearly than ever of the dangers of acquiescence, and the power of resistance, no matter how futile.

Kallocain

Maximus

Leo Kall is an ambitious scientist who develops a truth telling drug called Kallocain. It inevitably unveils its consumer's hidden and private thoughts and brings them to the surface. A highly efficient tool for the interrogations made on behalf of the World State. 

Is this a positive and prime example of a "fellow soldier" acting to enhance his beloved World State... Or does it open to the door to one's own moral questioning and irresolvability?

This acclaimed novel of Boye’s home country is said to be an underrated gem on par with dystopian works published by the likes of Orwell, Zamyatin & Huxley. It was written shortly after the beginning World War II and truly highlights an early prophetic insight into Nazi Germany (I feel) and what may have been the new norm if alternative history would have unfolded and Axis powers had their way. Unfortunately, Boye died by suicide in 1941 (a year after this was published) and did not get to see her work celebrated.

This is undoubtedly a well written and decent read. However, I remain somewhat ambivalent. Whilst understanding and appreciating that this is certainly a good book, I had hoped to connect more deeply with it. It was missing a certain je ne sais quoi. However, my admiration for Boye remains unsullied.

(I was not under the influence of Kall's drug when writing this review).

very interesting allusions and metaphors to WW2. very nice to see Karin Boys thoughts on the totalitarian society at that time and how she perceived herself. 

Carolina Fischer Camelier 

Lucía RG

Martin Kørra

Carmen Maria

Georgi Mitrev

Meg G

roman från 2000-talet

Martin Ackerfors

Translated from the Swedish by Gustaf Lannestock. With an Introd. by Richard B. Vowles

Kallocain

Reviews