Through The Dark Cloud Shining
Camp Concentration
By Thomas M. Disch
9 Apr, 2023
Because My Tears Are Delicious To You
Thomas M. Disch’s 19681 Camp Concentration is a near-future (well, what was then the near future) science fiction novel.
Under President McNamara, America resolutely confronts its enemies across the globe. War! Patriots support the president. Others protest the war on ethical and moral grounds. Such conscientious objectors are given short shrift.
Being married and physically unfit for military service, poet Louis Sacchetti might very easily have avoided any personal involvement in the great conflict. Feeling principle was at stake, he made his objections clear. He was immediately quietly arrested, even more circumspectly tried, found guilty, and sent to prison.
Louis’ stand garnered the attention of nobody of consequence. Well, almost nobody of consequence. There is one notable exception. Louis is suddenly transferred from civilian prison to the very secret Camp Archimedes.