The Last White Man: A Novel

Societal reaction to the change is one of racist panic. Militants begin appearing on the streets, dressed as both soldiers and hunters, thrilling Oona’s mother. Oona’s whiteness and absence of visible political position protects her. Anders tries to disguise himself when in public by wearing a hoodie, gloves, and sunglasses. Anders finally visits his physically deteriorating father. To his surprise, his father welcomes him home, gives him money, and provides a rifle so Anders can protect himself. Anders prefers to avoid being seen as a threat to others in order to protect himself from violence. Oona sees that Anders is different, but also the same. Their relationship begins to hold some potential.

More people at the gym have changed, which increases tensions. Men begin having physical altercations. The “cleaning guy” appears to Anders like a bird among the late-night gym exercisers. Oona and Anders spend more time together, and she asks if he is afraid of dying. He has become “Anders-like” to her. There is the sound and smell of anarchy and revolution in the air. A couple, a white man and children and a woman of color, rush by Oona’s car.