Felicia Mulinari’s debut novel, ”Ackumulation av ursprung” (Accumulation of Origin), plunges readers into a dystopian future eerily reminiscent of contemporary societal structures. Set in a city bearing a striking resemblance to a future Stockholm, the narrative unveils a starkly segregated society where racism is not merely a subtle undercurrent but a blatant, systematically enforced reality. The ”whites” reside in privileged ”inner zones,” while the ”mixed” enjoy limited advantages denied to the ”blacks,” highlighting a tiered system of oppression. This rigid social hierarchy is immediately evident in the seemingly innocuous interactions between Dorothy, a young girl of mixed heritage, and the white mothers who, with a saccharine smile, direct her towards a separate park designated for the ”mixed.” This seemingly benign interaction foreshadows the pervasive and insidious nature of the societal divide that permeates the novel.
The novel opens with a poignant portrayal of Dorothy’s mother, whose existence is defined by bureaucratic labels and limitations. Trapped in a cycle of poverty and unemployment, she navigates the complexities of a system designed to keep her marginalized. Classified as an ”immigrant woman” and ”job seeker” with a ”temporary residence permit under review,” she embodies the precarity and vulnerability of those existing on the fringes of society. The constant ”review” of her status underscores the precariousness of her existence, leaving her in a perpetual state of limbo. Accused of ”antisocial behavior” due to Dorothy’s sleep patterns, she bears the brunt of a system that criminalizes even the most basic human needs. This initial glimpse into the mother’s life sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the systemic inequalities that shape the lives of those deemed ”other.”
Dorothy, now 23, returns to her mother’s care after a period of absence, her body weakened by an unspecified illness. She is a complex and multifaceted character, simultaneously exhausted and vibrant, sorrowful and defiant. While plagued by physical ailments, her spirit remains unbroken. She is portrayed as a passionate, sensual individual who embraces her body and challenges societal norms. Dorothy’s dreams provide a window into her inner world, where she converses with her namesake, Dorothy Parker, the iconic Jewish-American writer and poet, and her deceased, Marxist grandmother. These spectral companions offer solace, guidance, and a connection to a past that informs her present. The novel’s dedication to ”the children who bathe with the Palestinian flag in the paddling pool” further emphasizes the themes of resistance, hope, and the enduring struggle for freedom. This dedication serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for liberation and self-determination, echoing the struggles faced by the marginalized characters within the novel’s dystopian world.
”Ackumulation av ursprung” is more than just a dystopian narrative; it’s a powerful testament to resilience, resistance, and the enduring human capacity for hope. Mulinari’s prose reflects the complexities of the world she depicts, embracing messiness, contradictions, and the inherent ugliness of political and human realities. This stylistic choice mirrors the fragmented and chaotic nature of the dystopian society portrayed in the novel. It refuses to sanitize the struggles of the marginalized, presenting a raw and unflinching portrayal of their lived experiences. The novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of oppression, but it also celebrates the strength and resilience of those who fight against it. This blend of stark realism and unwavering hope creates a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.
The novel engages with Marx’s concept of ”primitive accumulation,” which explains how societal inequalities are legitimized and perpetuated through the accumulation of wealth by a select few, often through exploitative means. This historical context adds depth and complexity to the novel’s exploration of power dynamics and social injustice. The enduring relevance of Marx’s critique is underscored by the reference to the re-election of a ”convicted criminal and born property billionaire,” drawing parallels to contemporary political figures and their role in perpetuating existing power structures. This direct allusion to contemporary political figures anchors the novel’s dystopian setting in a recognizable reality, highlighting the potential for such a future to emerge from the present.
Mulinari translates Marx’s theoretical framework into a more personal and accessible form. The formidable figure of Karl Marx is reimagined as ”Carlitos,” a letter-writing companion to a black woman who, despite her exceptional talents and access to higher education in the inner zones, finds herself disillusioned and imprisoned. This transformation of Marx into a relatable figure humanizes his theories and allows for a more intimate exploration of their implications. The woman’s internal conflict highlights the limitations of individual success within a system built on systemic inequality. Her brother, who chose to remain in the outer zones, becomes a ”man-finder,” searching for his missing sister. This juxtaposition of their paths raises questions about the nature of agency and the complexities of resistance within oppressive structures. The novel challenges readers to consider what truly constitutes a meaningful life in a society riddled with injustice.
Mulinari’s prose, while at times jarring and disorienting, ultimately contributes to the novel’s raw energy and untamed spirit. Unconventional imagery, like ”Dorothy swallows like a horse galloping at breakneck speed with its hooves tied to the ground,” adds a layer of surrealism and challenges conventional modes of expression. While some descriptions might seem vague or even repulsive, they contribute to the novel’s visceral impact and refusal to conform to traditional literary aesthetics. This stylistic boldness underscores the novel’s thematic concerns, mirroring the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the dystopian world it depicts. The juxtaposition of humor, rage, and queer sensuality further amplifies the novel’s multifaceted exploration of human experience within a system designed to suppress and control. ”Ackumulation av ursprung” is not a polished, easily digestible narrative, but rather a raw, visceral exploration of resistance, resilience, and the enduring human capacity for hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.
