FatLand (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: junior grade detectives, Other Side, Pro-Health Laws, Complete Fitness (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the near future the Pro-Health Laws of the United States of America have become so oppressive that people seeking freedom over their bodies have established a new country. In FatLand, life is good and scales are forbidden. Free from the hatred and discrimination of the Other Side, FatLanders have built happy, productive lives. But not everyone is flourishing.Soon a group of FatLanders and freedom fighters on the Other Side will face forces threatening the health and happiness of all.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Pearlsong Press (January 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1597190152
• ISBN-13: 978-1597190152
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,752,220 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart novel in which plot and writing style emphasize equality, July 13, 2009

By	Lesleigh J. Owen (Pasadena, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

FatLand is technically a science fiction book, since it's located in the near future (mid-21st century) and predominantly features the lives of people who live in a size-celebrating territory called FatLand. Outside of FatLand, pro-health laws have broken out, thereby criminalizing certain types of foods and restricting individuals' caloric intakes. As well as promoting a body-positive attitude, the author also provides us with a sobering and timely social commentary of governmental intervention into our lives and lifestyles. The novel follows the loves and lives of the FatLand council members, the very egalitarian ruling body of FatLand Territory. The novel includes themes of love, assassination, betrayal, and self-sacrifice. Above all, however, this is an unabashedly political novel that encourages readers to consider the roles government, advertising, and body hatred play in our own lives.

As for her writing style, Zellman is an intriguing mix of sensualist and minimalist. Some scenes burst with the sensuality of food, sex, and scenery; they're so lush, readers can almost smell or taste them. Other scenes are told only in dialogue and are devoid of any commentary outside of characters' discussion. Her style is alternately lush and spare, which I took as commentary on the different interpretations (and dictates) concerning fatness itself. Also, it's very easy to see Zellman is a Leftist, since there is no central character and her novel is wrought with concerns of political rights, personal freedoms, and in-group egalitarianism. Each character has a voice, a scene, and tells her/his own story. In this way, the story feels more like a stew, filled with individual vegetables that contribute to the overall flavor, than a narrative melting pot. It will be disconcerting to some readers who are used to the usual protagonist/antagonist formula that privileges one s/hero; ultimately, however, and IMO, her writing style reflects the novel's overall, political theme of equality and diversity.

In short, I wish FatLand really existed. I'd apply to immigrate immediately! :)

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A MUST READ", February 3, 2009

By	Shehzad K. Ghauri "Chaz" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fear of being obese or become obese is consuming our lives , emotions and happiness. This madness can go to an extreme level. This book has taught me to understand the relativity of health, life and obesity. This book has boldly spoken those things which either we are scared to say or restricted to say for many commercial and social reasons.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FatLand - Entertaining, yet very Thought-Provoking, January 25, 2009

By	Pat Ballard "Queen of Rubenesque Romance Novels" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews

Frannnie Zellman has weaved an intriguing tale of a territory named FatLand, where fat people can live without being harassed. In fact, it's against the law for weight to be mentioned. People of FatLand have raised their children in a society completely free of any kind of fat prejudice.

Frannie has done an outstanding job of writing a story that, while it is futuristic, it's close enough to home to be extremely thought-provoking. FatLand makes me want to do more fat activist work to make sure we don't wind up like the people on the Other Side...