The Biggerers

Amy Lilwall author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oneworld Publications

Published:2nd May '19

Should be back in stock very soon

This paperback is available in another edition too:

The Biggerers cover

Set in a dystopian future, two small heroes navigate life as affectionate companions to humans, confronting their identities and desires while discovering they share more in common with their owners than they thought.

In The Biggerers, readers are introduced to a distinctive and humorous narrative set in a dystopian future. The story revolves around two main characters, Bonbon and Jinx, who lead a simple life gathering stones and feathers while waiting for their owners to provide for them. In this world, humanity has become increasingly isolated and self-centered, referred to merely as units. The elderly, unable to cope with such loneliness, and the dwindling number of children add to the bleakness of society.

To address this growing disconnect, the government enlists a renowned doctor to develop a solution, resulting in the creation of small, affectionate companions—playmates who are mute yet endearing. These beings, around a foot tall and designed to provide companionship, reflect humanity's need for connection, even in a world where genuine relationships seem to be fading. The playmates serve as a source of love and comfort, filling the emotional void left by a society that has become increasingly detached.

As Bonbon and Jinx navigate their existence, they confront profound questions about their identity and purpose. Their experiences of illness, love, and the desire for normalcy lead them to realize that they share more similarities with their owners than they initially thought, despite their smaller stature. The Biggerers invites readers to reflect on themes of connection, identity, and the essence of being human in a world that has lost its way.

‘It’s not simply the dynamic between owner and owned that drives this unnerving and funny dystopian debut. As Jinx and Bonbon develop — the pains of dawning consciousness are brilliantly evoked — everything changes.’

* Daily Mail *

'Lilwall complicates the littlers’ gradual awakening to their human ability to love with satiric reflections... Science fiction fans will appreciate the unusual perspective of humans as seen through their pets’ eyes.'

* Publishers Weekly *

‘This inventive novel is set in a dystopian future in which full-sized humans keep mini-humans as pets. Idiosyncratic, bizarre and occasionally baffling, this bleakly comic novel will make for a perfect book club pick.’

* Bookriot *

‘An entertaining, action-filled, and often troubling work of dystopian fiction... Fantasy and speculative fiction fans will enjoy this terrific mix of adventure, social commentary, and dark humour.’

* Library Journal *

'Amy Lilwall is going to be a star. It is very rare to come across a writer as talented as she is. Her work is truly awesome: clever, compelling and very, very readable.'

* Scarlett Thomas, author of The End of Mr. Y *

‘I really did enjoy this book. There is something there that begs you to read further… The characters feel very real, with very understandable motivations.’

* Looking Glass Reads *

'In The Biggerers, Amy Lilwall deftly walks a line between the playful and hilarious, and the truly terrifying. It is a remarkable debut – wonderfully unsettling and startlingly astute – and the most original dystopian novel I’ve read in years.'

* Wyl Menmuir, author of The Many *

'A dystopian black comedy set in a world where "full-sized humans keep mini-humans as pets." This edgy work of speculative fiction shocks and enthralls with its striking originality.'

* Book Riot Best of 2018 *

‘An entertaining, action-filled, and often troubling work of dystopian fiction…the book is absorbing, and Bonbon and Jinx are memorable, charming protagonists… Fantasy and speculative fiction fans will enjoy this terrific mix of adventure, social commentary, and dark humour.’

* Library Journal *

'Exciting debut weird fiction, which may well become a talking point for book club types all over the world and is ideal for fans of The Borrowers, Munmun and The Truckers.'

* Starburst *

‘Impressive… One of the things that’s most interesting about The Biggerers is that there are clear parallels to other genre tales, but it’s such an eclectic bunch of influences… Lilwall is not afraid to have moments of dark comedy or to suddenly challenge her readers... It’s more than the eye-catching concept, it’s fantastic.’ 

 

* SciFiNow

ISBN: 9781786075628

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 30mm

Weight: unknown

528 pages