In his latest novel, “It’s Not the End of the World,” Jonathan Parks-Ramage presents a bizarre and vivid depiction of a world on the brink of chaos, all while channeling elements reminiscent of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”.
The protagonist, Mason Daunt, prepares for a lavish baby shower in Los Angeles, echoing Woolf’s upper-class Clarissa Dalloway who spends her day in a frenzy of party preparations.
Yet, where Dalloway is encumbered by societal expectations, Mason is caught up in a whirlwind of outlandish distractions, including an urgent visit from a billionaire in need of a peculiar penis statue, a dive into a virtual BDSM dungeon, and the emergence of a minor zombie apocalypse.
Set in the year 2044, the narrative follows Mason, a white gay artist, and his husband, Yunho Kim, a formerly prominent screenwriter now facing a blacklist after an interrogation by the House Anti-American Speech Committee.
As they anticipate their new arrival via surrogate, Astrid, Mason calculates the financial toll of their lifestyle, from the exorbitant rental fees to the lavish expenses for the upcoming baby shower.
In stark contrast to his overwhelming privilege, a mysterious pink fog blankets Los Angeles, which disturbs the sanity of those exposed to it.
Amid this backdrop, the day’s events spiral into chaos, as readers witness Mason grapple with the absurdity and randomness of life.
The narrative captures Mason’s internal struggle between the superficialities of his life and the stark realities of the surrounding world.
As he indulges in luxurious escapism — which includes being outfitted with cutting-edge technology for his virtual encounters — the grotesque aspects of reality encroach upon his bubble of affluence.
Violent outbursts emerge around the city, painting a grim picture of societal decay, juxtaposed against the glittering preparations for the shower.
The author taps into the traditions of camp to present a chaotic mixture of humor and horror in what happens during the party, leaving Mason grappling with severe consequences.
In a narrative twist, he finds himself implicated in murder, his once pampered life unraveling as Yunho, Astrid, and their companion Claudia mysteriously disappear, moving into one of Mason’s mansions in Montana.
There, they establish a utopian anarchist commune, demonstrating a stark contrast to Mason’s previous existence.
Through the eyes of Gabriel, the four-year-old son of Mason and Yunho’s friends, readers navigate the joys and challenges of communal living, intertwined with growing tensions surrounding nearby militia threats.
Parks-Ramage does not shy away from confronting unpleasant truths regarding our current trajectory, as the novel posits a future filled with climate catastrophes and the perils of unchecked wealth and power.
As the events unfold, a familiar yet distorted character, a seemingly immortal Peter Thiel, makes an appearance, embodying the concerns of increasing financial and political corruption.
With a narrative marked by unexpected turns, the absurdity serves a purpose, reflecting deeper questions about parenthood, hope, and the human condition.
The question of children looms large — are they vessels of hope or mere tools for immortality?
Parks-Ramage’s personal engagement with this theme refrains from offering definitive answers, opting instead to illustrate the innocence and imagination of Gabriel against the darkened backdrop of societal collapse.
Ultimately, “It’s Not the End of the World” propels readers into a fantastical journey where laughter battles against despair.
Amid outlandish scenarios, there remains a poignant truth: even in dire straits, the capacity for hope and imagination persists, as exemplified by the vivid creation of dragons in the minds of children.
Parks-Ramage’s audacious storytelling invites us not only to explore the absurd but also to reflect upon our own realities as we navigate a world marked by turmoil and uncertainty.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2025-05-30/its-not-the-end-of-the-world-review-jonathan-parks-ramage
