The Dream Hotel: A Dystopian Tale of Surveillance and Resistance
In the latest novel by Moroccan-American author Laila Lalami, titled The Dream Hotel, readers are plunged into a world where pre-crime surveillance extends its reach into the realm of dreams.
A Gripping Narrative
The protagonist, Sara Hussein, is a researcher at the Getty Museum and a mother of twin toddlers. Upon returning to the US from a work trip to London, she finds herself detained at the airport due to her elevated “risk score” based on her dreams. Subsequently, she is taken to a mysterious “retention centre,” managed by private entities.
These retention centres, known for holding individuals without trial for extended periods, operate on the premise that detainees must remain until their risk level decreases to a deemed acceptable level for reintegration into society.
A Familiar Yet Unsettling World
The Dream Hotel draws parallels to renowned works of speculative fiction, such as Philip K. Dick’s “Minority Report,” Franz Kafka’s “The Trial,” and Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” presenting a narrative that feels eerily close to our reality.
Lalami, who spent over a decade developing the novel, reflects on the timely release of her work amidst the current societal landscape, highlighting the relevance and impact of the themes explored in The Dream Hotel.
She discusses the concept of dreams as a tool for surveillance and the intricate relationship between technology, privacy, and control in a dystopian future.
An Invitation to Resistance
Through Sara’s journey and experiences in the detention centre, Lalami prompts readers to contemplate power dynamics, resistance, and the collective agency to challenge oppressive systems.
The novel serves as a reminder that hope and resistance can stem from individual and collective actions, urging readers to recognize their capacities for change and empowerment.
As Lalami delves into uncharted territory with The Dream Hotel, she continues to captivate audiences with her thought-provoking storytelling and exploration of pressing societal issues.
About the Author
Laila Lalami, originally from Rabat, Morocco, is an accomplished author and academic. With a diverse body of work, including acclaimed novels like “The Moor’s Account” and “The Other Americans,” Lalami’s unique voice and narrative style have garnered critical acclaim and accolades.
Currently a distinguished professor of creative writing and a Harvard Radcliffe Fellow, Lalami’s contributions to literature continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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