This series delves into a fictional society that defies conventional norms, questioning established beliefs about money, health, and technological advancement. It uncovers the hidden underbelly of a utopia, revealing hypocrisy and fear beneath a seemingly perfect surface. Each installment explores the complexities of human nature and serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked progress and societal dogma. The narratives offer a profound examination of ethics and the unintended consequences of societal engineering.
Erewhon (an anagram for "nowhere") is a faraway land where sickness is a punishable crime, criminals receive compassionate medical treatment, and machines are banned (for fear they'll evolve and become the masters of man). Butler's entertaining and thought-provoking Utopian novel takes aim at such hallowed institutions as family, church, and mechanical progress; its remarkable prescience in anticipating future sociological trends adds a special relevance for today's readers.
Erewhon, set in a thinly disguised New Zealand, ended with the escape of its protagonist from the native Erewhonians by balloon. In the sequel, narrated by his son John. Higgs returns to Erewhon and meets his former lover Yram, who is now the mother of his son George. He discovers that he is now worshipped as "the Sunchild." He finds himself in danger from the villainous Professors Hanky and Panky, who are determined to protect Sunchildism from him. With George's help Higgs escapes from their clutches and returns to England.