The Physiognomy, by Jeffrey Ford

Thanks are owed to my student Derek, for recommending this fun read. This is a very interesting and twisted fantasy set in a universe without dragons, elves, and dwarves, for a great, big, welcome change. In this universe, the center of attention is a place known as the Well-Built City, which is governed by a totalitarian regime. The law in this place is enforced pro actively (as in "Minority Report") as well as reactively. The investigations of violations are carried out by physiognomists, who determine one's propensity to commit crime with great degree of accuracy. Just by taking measurements of one's body parts, the physiognomist can determine one's shortcomings, and even past and future deeds. Physiognomist First Class Cley is sent to an investigation outside the city and his findings set in motion a bizarre story that is hard to put down until the last page is turned. The story has elements of Kafka in its dark humour and stifling nightmarish settings. The story talks about the search of a paradise kind of place, but I feel that the setting is just an excuse to show the transformation in the soul of a man much used to nearly limitless power. This is the first installment in a series which continues with "Memoranda" and "The Beyond".