Landscape with Invisible Hand

M. T. Anderson
54 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2017

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Book Brief

M. T. Anderson

Landscape with Invisible Hand

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2017
Book Details
Pages

162

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Satirical Literature
Setting

Earth • Near Future

Theme
Power & Greed

•

Equality

•

Love
Topic
Relationships

•

Agriculture

•

Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2017

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL730L

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Super Short Summary

In Landscape with Invisible Hand by M. T. Anderson, Adam Costello struggles to navigate a post-alien-invasion world where the technologically advanced vuvv have sold their innovations to humans, causing economic collapse and widespread poverty. As society crumbles, Adam and his family resort to various means to survive while Adam uses his art to convey harsh truths about their new reality. The novel includes discussion of suicide and uses offensive and discriminatory language in direct quotations.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.6

4,587 ratings

57%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

M. T. Anderson's Landscape with Invisible Hand is lauded for its imaginative world-building and sharp social commentary, effectively blending satire with poignant themes. However, some readers find the narrative pacing uneven and certain character arcs underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking read that challenges societal norms within a speculative framework.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Landscape with Invisible Hand?

A reader profile for Landscape with Invisible Hand by M. T. Anderson would include fans of satirical science fiction exploring dystopian themes. Readers who appreciated the socio-political commentary in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood or the dark humor in 1984 by George Orwell will find this book engaging and thought-provoking.

3.6

4,587 ratings

57%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

A teenage high school student and budding artist, Adam navigates the challenging world imposed by the vuvv, balancing his passion for art and commitment to his family. He serves as the protagonist and narrator of the story, reflecting on societal issues through his experiences.

An alien species resembling rocky tables, they have taken over Earth's economy and impose a consumerist, oppressive system that affects all human characters, including Adam and his family.

Adam and Nattie's mother, who maintains an optimistic spirit despite losing her job to vuvv technology. She supports her family through challenging times and embodies resilience.

Adam's younger sister, known for her humor and creativity, who sacrifices her childhood pleasures to contribute to her family's survival.

The father of Adam and Nattie, who struggles with his sense of worth after losing his job. His actions are influenced by his societal and personal challenges.

A volunteer art teacher who works as a door attendant, he becomes a mentor and father figure to Adam, encouraging his pursuit of art.

Adam's romantic interest and the younger sister of Hunter Marsh, she proposes that they participate in a reality dating show, affecting Adam's life with her decisions.

Chloe's brother, who works at a vuvv rendering plant and strives to assimilate into the vuvv culture, embodying a satirical representation of blind ambition.

A fellow artist and schoolmate of Adam who becomes a competitor in an art contest and forms a romantic relationship with Chloe, representing pragmatism in the face of artistic integrity.

Book Details
Pages

162

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

•

Fantasy

•

Satirical Literature
Setting

Earth • Near Future

Theme
Power & Greed

•

Equality

•

Love
Topic
Relationships

•

Agriculture

•

Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2017

Publisher

Candlewick Press

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

HL730L

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