Alexander Rhett has not only become self aware, but also has just been elected President of the United States.
Brace yourselves because FOTUS, the latest novel by author Kevin Kunudrum takes readers on a fascinating ride just in time for the 2020 election cycle.
Almost instantly upon reading, we realize that little Alex is a terrible person, but not without one caveat: he is still a baby. However, one cannot deny that Kunudrum is using Rhett’s behavior to draw parallels to current political leaders. The most noticeable of these parallels is between Rett and President Donald Trump from his angry tweets to his slogan of “Make America Greater”. Throughout the novel, Alex is shaped by numerous characters and events, such as his battle with embittered Mallory Blitzen (a clear Hillary Clinton expy); his friendship with the not-so-starving artist, Vincent Van Go-Go; his relationship with the mysterious Florist organization; and his alliance with the leader of the New Black Panthers, Frederick Douglass-Jones. Unlike many real politicians, Alex redeems his public perception and grows as a person and leader signaled by his exit from the womb which is almost metaphorical for his physical growth and maturity as president.
The novel does an excellent job of capturing the chaos of politics and society. There are many times where the events in the book could be something that happens in real life.
Kevin Kunundrum, author of FOTUS, attempts to do the same by pointing out the sheer ridiculousness of our political climate and society, as a whole. Not only is he successful, but he leaves no stone unturned taking on Saturday Night Live, progressives, and even the Rothschild Theory. The most alarming thing of this read is that many of these events would surprise very few if they happened in real life.
As elections approach, one begins to wonder if the timing for this book could have been any more perfect, even if this book was necessary? This leads to the novel’s greatest achievement: making the readers ask themselves has our society become so absurd that it has simply become a parody of itself?
Kezia Robinson is a staff writer and literary critic for the UB Post.
