The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil

... the country of Inner Horner was so small only one Inner Hornerite at a time could fit inside ...

This simple, absurd, description introduces us to the world of George Saunders' The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil, which the author describes as 'a kid's story about genocide'.

The citizens of the tiny country of Inner Horner rely continually on the generosity of the much roomier nation of Outer Horner which surrounds it. They occupy the Short-Term Residency Zone, sleep standing up, and spend their time whispering mathematical proofs to each other.

Having six close-huddled Inner Hornerites on their soil cause the Outer Hornerites a mix of resentment and pride. Pride in their own generosity, and resentment of the Inner Hornerites' ungratefulness ('they never wept with gratitude anymore').

This (literally) long-standing and unsatisfactory arrangement comes to a head when, for unknown reasons, the nation of Inner Horner suddenly shrinks.

Suddenly three-quarters of Elmer, the current citizen-in-residence of Inner Horner, are sticking over the border (a length of string) into Outer Horner.

The Invasion In Progress Alarm is sounded, the militia is summoned, but attempts to expulse the invader fail (pushing him back over the line makes him inadvertently reinvade across the opposite border).

The situation is ripe for exploitation by Phil, bitter, middle-aged nobody who discovers a talent for demagoguery and dictatorship.

This whimsical, hilarious and insightful book is an allegory about war, patriotism, and some of the major issues of our times.

It took five years to write, beginning when Saunders was challenged by a friend to write a book in which all the characters were abstract shapes.

Oh, I forgot to mention: all the characters in the book are abstract shapes. Despite the illustrations, the book's characters are mostly impossible to visualise from the descriptions of their assorted racks, spouts, fronds and bladders.

Phil, a tyrant with a brain only loosely attached, is probably most reminiscent of the current United States president, but he has much in common with populist rabble-rousers and dictators.

He uses the language of patriotism to flatter and threaten his fellow citizens into stealing the resources of Inner Horner, bullying and disassembling its citizens and their own compatriots.

The Hornerites of both nations are all too human, despite their abstract shapes. Saunders tells a marvellous tale about the impact of dividing the world into Us and Them, about the harm done to real people when you follow an overly simplistic ideology or succumb to fear of the other.

The story is particularly relevant in the context of the global war on terror, but is timeless because it's about human nature. The slim novella is full of insight into the way people live their lives, make decisions, and view others.

The book can probably be enjoyed by people of all ages, too. It's easy and entertaining to read, and will hopefully leave you with a reinforced cynicism about politics and the media, and a bit more empathy for your fellow humankind.

I can honestly say that I love this book and really urge you to get a copy. You'll love it too.