Stark

Stark

Given the recent controversy surrounding the leaked emails, it is almost fitting to bring up this fun little novel about our doomed planet – Stark. Written by Ben Elton, this story is a different take on the whole environmental issue. Perhaps it is unfair to call it a different point of view. Instead, let's say that Elton tackles the touchy topic with his own brand of cynicism, pointing out that the only thing standing in the way of progress are human vices. It's interesting that the novel dates back to the late 1980s. So many years and yet, everyone is still fighting over the same issue?

The novel bases its name on a secret movement described within the novel called the Stark Conspiracy. Basically, it consists of a group of fat cats (bigwigs, corporate folk, industrialists and such) who have nabbed themselves a golden ticket – a space vessel to colonize the Moon. Thus, they know the Earth is beyond saving, they are aware that they have been part of the problem all along and they don't care because of this handy little safety net. On the other side, there are a group of environmental folk who are hot on the trail of this movement. These folk mean well and they truly love the Earth. And yet, they aren't exactly doing a good job protecting it. Or fighting the powerful bigwigs. Will (or can they) save the world? Will they reveal the dark secret? Will the bad guys get away with it? The ending, I must add, is not what I expected. However, it made sense given the cynical scenario painted by Ben Elton.

The author mentions a number of topics that is close to his heart. Well, I say that because the fight between tree-huggers and corporate folk is a theme that is common to his other novels. Remember the comparison between conservatives and hippies in his Blast from the Past? This novel builds on the ecological aspect of that story whilst highlighting the character flaws that leads to all the problems within both groups.

Another topic that is mentioned frequently, within this book and other works, is the effect of money on human folk. Ben Elton treats material benefits with certain amount of disdain. And yet, he doesn't preach at readers, pointing out that folks are better off without such temptations. Quite the contrary. While he always describes them vices that are everyone's downfall, he likes to note that almost everyone has their price.

In this way, he is skeptical about folks' capability of being truly altruistic. And of course, as he points out so deftly in this novel, for something like environmental change, it requires everyone to alter their habits. Without unanimous support, the Earth is basically doomed. By now you've probably guessed that the book is quite depressing. Well most of Elton's books are as they have dark undertones. On the other hand, he does throw in a lot of social commentary about the various themes (be it about corporate culture, wishy washy environmentalists or materialism) and this can make it delightful reading. Just don't let it be the last thing you read before bedtime.