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Science Fiction

The Past is Red

Catherynne M. Valente
1 min read·eng. The Past is Red · 2021
Summary by the Litseller editorial team.·Date of publication: 19 February 2025·Updated: 14 November 2026
Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

  • The book is an expanded version of the short story "The Future is Blue," which was published in the anthology "Drowned Worlds" in 2016.
  • The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where most of Earth is submerged, and the remaining people live on a massive landfill called Garbagetown.
  • The protagonist, Tetley Abedaba, is one of the few who considers Garbagetown her home and finds beauty in it despite all the hardships.
  • The book explores themes of ecology, consumerism, and human nature through the lens of a dystopian future.
  • Valente's narrative style is noted for its poetic and rich language, making the book not only engaging but also aesthetically enriching.
The Past is Red
Date of publication: 19 February 2025
Updated: 14 November 2026
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Author: 
Catherynne M. Valente
Original title: eng. The Past is Red · 2021
Content: 
Prepared by the Litseller editorial team. Our goal is to share concise, accurate, and valuable book notes for personal growth and education.
Reviewed by the Litseller editorial team before publication, and checked against the book itself. Editorial policy
This material is prepared for educational purposes and is not a reproduction of the original text. We do not use protected elements of the work (text, structure, unique scenes).
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