Landscape with Invisible Hand

Author(s): M. T. Anderson

Young Adult Fiction

National Book Award winner M. T. Anderson returns to future Earth in a sharply wrought satire of art and truth in the midst of colonization.


When the vuvv first landed, it came as a surprise to aspiring artist Adam and the rest of planet Earth -- but not necessarily an unwelcome one. Can it really be called an invasion when the vuvv generously offered free advanced technology and cures for every illness imaginable? As it turns out, yes. With his parents' jobs replaced by alien tech and no money for food, clean water, or the vuvv's miraculous medicine, Adam and his girlfriend, Chloe, have to get creative to survive. And since the vuvv crave anything they deem classic Earth culture (doo-wop music, still life paintings of fruit, true love), recording 1950s-style dates for the vuvv to watch in a pay-per-minute format seems like a brilliant idea. But it's hard for Adam and Chloe to sell true love when they hate each other more with every passing episode. Soon enough, Adam must decide how far he's willing to go -- and what he's willing to sacrifice -- to give the vuvv what they want.

Ruby's Review:


Not your typical science fiction story. It’s a witty, slightly soul destroying, yet original satire. Only around 100 pages this novel gives a scarily realistic depiction of a not too distant technology reliant future.


The aliens “invade” earth, curing all human illnesses. So, not such a bad thing. Although human jobs are replaced by superior alien technology. There’s no need for work. So, no money. Instead, worldwide poverty. The aliens are obsessed with 1950’s everything: culture, music, dating, the excellent words “honey-bunny” and “groovy”. So, to survive, Adam and his girlfriend Chloe film a reality style show of their 50’s dates for the aliens. But of course, they end up hating each other.


It’s bleak, yet gorgeously written.


Great for 14+ fans of Patrick Ness. And fans of sci-fi. And fans of reading. Pretty much great for anyone who wants a book to make them think.

19.00 NZD

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Product Information

General Fields

  • : 9780763699505
  • : Walker Books Australia
  • : Candlewick Press
  • : 0.18
  • : November 2017
  • : 235mm X 140mm
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : M. T. Anderson
  • : Paperback
  • : English
  • : [Fic]