“This Great Hemisphere" Matteo Askaripour’s Second Novel Makes its Debut at Book Soup
Matteo Askaripour’s “This Great Hemisphere” brings readers into a divided world set in the year 2529, where the protagonist, Sweetmint—born Candace—navigates life as an "Invisible." In a society fractured by environmental collapse, tensions run high between the lower-class "vizzers" and the elite "Dominant Population" or "dippies." Sweetmint’s life takes a sharp turn when she lands an internship with famed inventor Croger Tenmase. But after the murder of the leader of the Northwestern Hemisphere, and her estranged brother being implicated, Sweetmint finds herself thrown into a world of chaos.
With political intrigue and social unrest at its core, the novel unpacks issues of identity, race, and power through multiple perspectives. Askaripour’s complex world-building may take time to unfold, but the book’s gripping second half rewards readers with an unforgettable journey.
Askaripour’s narrative blends profound storytelling with sharp, insightful commentary on contemporary issues, creating a compelling work that resonates deeply with those seeking thought-provoking and engaging literature. In *The Great Hemisphere*, readers will find characters whose journeys of self-discovery offer a mirror to their own, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of human experience in the modern world.
At his launch event at Book Soup, Askaripour was in conversation with author Christina Hammond Reed, known for her powerful novel “The Black Kids”, where they discussed the novel's rich exploration of societal and cultural themes that make “This Great Hemisphere” not only timely but deeply compelling.
Mateo Askaripour, This Great Hemisphere, Hardcover: 432 pages, Language: English, Publisher: Dutton Books (July 9, 2024) - ISBN-13: 978-0593472347
