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110 pages 3 hours read

The Ministry for the Future

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

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Book Brief

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Kim Stanley Robinson

The Ministry for the Future

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020
Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Global • Near Future

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Ministry for the Future is a climate fiction novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that begins in 2025 with a deadly heatwave in India, spurring global efforts to combat climate change. Led by Mary Murphy, the Ministry uses legal, economic, and controversial tactics, including a secret "black wing," to reduce carbon emissions. Through activism, bureaucratic work, and changing governance models, humanity slowly makes progress in addressing climate change by the 2040s.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Hopeful

Reviews & Readership

4.1

44,482 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kim Stanley Robinson's The Ministry for the Future captures both praise and critique. Reviewers commend its imaginative and hopeful vision of addressing climate change, highlighting its detailed scientific grounding and urgency. However, some criticize the dense prose and fragmented narrative. Overall, its ambitious scope and thought-provoking ideas make it a provocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ministry for the Future?

A reader who would enjoy The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson is likely passionate about climate science, speculative fiction, and socio-political change. Fans of The Overstory by Richard Powers or New York 2140 by Robinson himself, will appreciate its blend of environmental urgency and narrative innovation.

4.1

44,482 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Mary Murphy

Minister for the Ministry for the Future, who evolves from an idealistic bureaucrat to a tough negotiator involving herself in various strategies to combat climate change.

An aid worker and sole survivor of a heat wave in India who struggles with guilt and radicalization, becoming a key figure in dialogues related to climate action.

Mary’s chief of staff, deeply involved in the ministry's covert operations, and a character marked by contradictions and initiatives in addressing climate issues.

A voice representing the plight and resilience of refugees, navigating life in a Swiss refugee camp and the broader impacts of global capitalism.

A dedicated scientist researching ways to mitigate sea-level rise, embodying both idealism and pragmatism in his Antarctic work.

Leads legal efforts for climate justice within the ministry, characterized by her strong personality and diplomacy despite her challenges.

Ministry staff working on economic strategies to address climate change, noted for their rigorous rationality and unique perspective on conforming to norms.

China’s central bank representative, who becomes an ally in transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy, encouraging bold economic strategies.

Chair of the Federal Reserve who transitions from conservative monetary policies to endorsing radical changes needed to address climate issues.

Head of India’s climate delegation, representing nationalistic responses and challenges within international climate accords.

Mary’s love interest and airship captain, symbolizing her shift towards personal relationships and happiness.

An economist who supports Mary’s initiatives for shifting economic approaches to combat climate change.

Book Details
Pages

576

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Global • Near Future

Publication Year

2020

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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