Hardy, Kate - Londonia

A futuristic (borderline dystopian) novel, just the sort of book I normally shun.
Nevertheless, my curiosity overcame my misgivings.
The woman is in rather a fog.
Her memory is tatters; she doesn’t know where she is, or even her own name. When asked, she studies the charm around her neck and replies, “Hoxton.”
In this sprawling book, we accompany Hoxton as she navigates greater Londonia, still recovering from a technological meltdown several lifetimes earlier.
Hoxton becomes a “finder,” rooting out baubles for the idle pampered gentry in the fortified Cincture.
Unlike most futurist dystopias, Londonia is not all gloom and despair. Citizens are genuinely trying to make a go of it. Barter and trade, rather than slaving or factional warfare.
This is a hopeful book. The story is a highly entertaining one.
There is a brief glossary at the back for the odd word here and there. Knowing a touch of French would not hurt. I’m surprised there was scant Gaelic, though perhaps Londonia was easier for Parisians to reach, more difficult for the Scots.
Years ago, a sadly missed bookseller would have called this a thumping good read.