The Past is Red

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.