State of Paradise: A Novel BY Laura van den Berg

"State of Paradise" by Laura van den Berg immerses readers in a small Florida town during another sweltering summer, where eerie occurrences unsettle the seemingly normal backdrop. The protagonist, a ghostwriter for a famous thriller author, navigates a series of bizarre events: a mysterious illness that comes and goes, extreme weather, sinkholes, strange cats, and a pervasive sense of unease amplified by a virtual reality device distributed by a company called ELECTRA.

Living in her mother’s house, the ghostwriter grapples not only with these unsettling phenomena but also with personal challenges including family secrets and fragmented memories of a troubled past. Adding to the surreal atmosphere is the emergence of a cult within her own home and an inexplicable expansion of her belly button.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when her sister disappears during a violent rainstorm, only to return days later, claiming to have visited another dimension. This event prompts the protagonist to delve into the mysteries surrounding ELECTRA, her employer, and the true nature of reality itself. As she investigates the connections between the missing persons posters, the virtual reality technology, and her own experiences, the story unfolds into a complex web of self-discovery and existential inquiry.

"State of Paradise" is a gripping exploration of identity, storytelling, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion. Laura van den Berg’s narrative prowess shines as she weaves together elements of mystery, psychological depth, and surrealism, offering readers a thrilling and thought-provoking journey into the unknown.