The Berlusconi Bonus

In a near-future England, The Berlusconi Bonus follows Adolphus Hibbert as he navigates a society defined by decadence, betrayal, and the moral complexities of wealth.

Set in England in 2048, The Berlusconi Bonus is a sharp political satire that explores the consequences of unchecked capitalism and moral decay. The story follows Adolphus Hibbert, who receives a dubious award known as the Berlusconi Bonus, granting him a life of indulgence and privilege. However, this newfound freedom leads him into a web of sexual encounters and a complex landscape of loyalties and betrayals. The narrative serves as a critique of a society where wealth and power dictate morality, and individuals are often left grappling with their conscience.

In this dystopian world, the predictions of US theorist Francis Fukuyama have become a grim reality. With the collapse of the USSR and the dominance of neoliberal capitalism, history has seemingly reached a standstill. Citizens navigate a superficial existence dominated by consumerism, facilitated by Rational Consumer Implant Cards embedded in their brains. Meanwhile, a marginalized underclass inhabits the Fukuyama Theme Parks, a stark contrast to the lives of the elite who revel in their Plutocratic Social Gratitude Awards, effectively placing them above the law.

As Adolphus Hibbert embarks on his journey, he is recruited by the enigmatic Captain Younce, a secret police officer, to infiltrate dissident groups. Throughout this thrilling adventure, he encounters love, betrayal, and violence, ultimately uncovering unsettling truths about himself and the society he inhabits. The Berlusconi Bonus is not just a story of personal exploration but a reflection on the moral implications of a world driven by greed and power.