What Not

Set in a post-First World War society, What Not explores eugenics and media manipulation through the love story of Kitty and Nicholas amidst oppressive societal norms.

In What Not, Rose Macaulay presents a thought-provoking speculative narrative set in the aftermath of the First World War, exploring themes of eugenics and the manipulation of media. The story revolves around the Ministry of Brains, a powerful institution that oversees societal classifications based on breeding potential. The protagonist, Kitty Grammont, is a senior civil servant who finds herself in a complicated love affair with Nicholas Chester, a man deemed unsuitable for marriage due to his lack of a breeding certification. Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of societal constraints and media scrutiny, highlighting the absurdities of a system that prioritizes genetic engineering over personal choice.

The novel, originally published in 1918 and quickly withdrawn due to its controversial content, was reissued in 1919 but never received the recognition it deserved, overshadowed by Macaulay's subsequent works. What Not serves as a critique of social engineering and an exploration of feminist themes, showcasing Macaulay's sharp wit and insight into the human condition. The reinstatement of previously suppressed pages in this edition offers readers a more complete understanding of the narrative's depth and relevance.

As the media barons launch a campaign against the Ministry of Brains, seeking to expose its secrets, Kitty and Chester's affair becomes a focal point for a scandal that could dismantle the oppressive regime. Macaulay's novel remains a significant, albeit overlooked, classic that resonates with contemporary discussions about autonomy, societal norms, and the role of the media in shaping public perception.