Dystopian fiction at its most obtuse

The Coldness
of Objects

by Panayotis Cacoyannis

/ Rating ⭐⭐ /

Meh. 

The main character, variously called Mr. Rubens, Anthony, Pablo, and Anthony Pablo, is a gay man living alone in the year 2030. His one true love, Malcolm, died of AIDS 50 years ago. Living in solitude, Anthony Pablo loves his things. The book talks incessantly about his Amoeba chair and (hideous?) Meissen monkey china.

 Society has become an authoritarian nightmare. Taking place in England, the government is the result of years of an authoritarian regime. Mr. Rubens is summoned for "museum service," which means he and his precious things will be displayed at the National Museum. The point of this is hinted at but never explained. Why would the government go to this much trouble to hoodwink certain citizens? The ultimate fate of those summoned to “museum service” is made clear at the end but its purpose remains mysterious.

Not recommended.