A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
162
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Satirical LiteratureEarth • Near Future
•
Equality•
Love•
Agriculture•
Arts & Culture2017
Candlewick Press
YA
14-18 years
HL730L
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
4,587 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
4,587 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
162
Novel • Fiction
•
Fantasy•
Satirical LiteratureEarth • Near Future
•
Equality•
Love•
Agriculture•
Arts & Culture2017
Candlewick Press
YA
14-18 years
HL730L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,900+ additional titles.