Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning is a novel of speculative fiction by Raphael DelaMer; a sci-fi thriller with a political edge, blending reality with conspiracy theories to describe a near-future society fractured by late capitalism, climate change, information wars, virus panics and global conflict.

Two young people caught up in the 21st century dystopia must decide whether to fight for what they believe is right, even if it means challenging their own culture. They end up leading resistance against the neo-liberal Anglo empire and preparations for war in space. Along the way, they find a new way to measure human achievement.

Sophia, the headstrong daughter of one of America's most powerful men, flees her privileged family to discover real life with her European-African activist-artist lover, Sol.

Four years later, they are in England, struggling to adapt to life as parents of a child who is born intersex. They become separated and caught up in global events when political protests become armed insurrection, and they are forced to take a stand on their values, even if it means risking their relationship. They end up leading resistance against the Anglo empire and its colonisation of space. Their journey is transformational. They re-discover themselves and find a possible redemption for humankind.

This is a story about big ideas that have the power to change our world. Themes include identity, gender, divided society, lockdown, activist journalism, manufactured consent, ideology, complicity, resistance, utopianism, cultural diversity, neo-imperialism, and colonisation of space.