Q

A chilling exploration of societal obsession with perfection

Christina Dalcher author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:7th Jan '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Q cover

In Q, a mother’s quest to save her daughter leads her to uncover a chilling truth about a society obsessed with perfection.

In Q, Christina Dalcher presents a chilling vision of a society where perfection is paramount. The story follows Elena Fairchild, a dedicated teacher in a prestigious school designed for children with high 'Q' scores. Initially, she believes in the system's promise of fairness and opportunity, witnessing firsthand the benefits it provides to her students. However, her world is turned upside down when her own daughter scores lower than expected, leading to her removal from the home and placement in a government institute.

As Elena delves deeper into the institution, she uncovers a disturbing reality that challenges her beliefs about education and societal progress. The quest for perfection comes at a steep cost, and she must confront the lengths to which the government will go to uphold its ideals. Through Elena's journey, Q raises thought-provoking questions about conformity, the value of individuality, and the impact of societal pressures on families.

Ultimately, Q is not just a thriller; it is a powerful commentary on the dangers of a system that prioritizes uniformity over humanity. Dalcher's gripping narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, compelling them to reflect on the implications of a world obsessed with perfection.

‘It’s hard to tell if this book is truly a work of fiction or a horrific glance at reality’ Prima

‘Like all the best dystopian fiction, Q takes the reader just a pace or two beyond where we’re already at. This is a sharply written and terrifyingly plausible tale of an education system where less than perfect is a life-threatening condition… I devoured it in a single day.' Louise Candlish

‘Shocking…a powerful tale exploring themes of survival and superficiality.’ Cosmopolitan

‘Christina Dalcher is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. It's a master class in dark dystopian fiction, clever, thought-provoking, beautifully written, and terrifyingly believable.’ Alice Feeney

‘‘Powerful, devastating, shocking brilliant.’ Woman & Home

‘WHAT A BOOK. ‘Shockingly, terrifyingly real – Christina Dalcher has got another bestseller on her hands.’ Lisa Hall

‘Orwell meets Atwood in Christina Dalcher’s Q, a chilling look at how polite society can sleepwalk its way into horrifying atrocities. Timely, tense and frighteningly plausible, Q is an urgent clarion call against complacency.’ Kia Abdullah

‘Dalcher conjures an America informed by tragic elements of its past and present where science and humanity are both abused in ways that are all-too familiar and plausible. Her heroic women and tough yet elegant prose suggest Margaret Atwood updated for this moment.’ Michael D'Antonio

ISBN: 9780008440602

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 25mm

Weight: 220g

384 pages