Hernan Diaz’s latest novel, "Ply," is a dystopian narrative set centuries in the future, depicting a fractured civilization struggling for survival. In this imagined world, the state has dissolved, the Great Lakes region has declared independence, and the Pacific Coast lies in ruins. The story unfolds in a desolate New York City controlled by Tensor, an energy monopoly that wields significant power over the dwindling resources. Within this bleak urban landscape, rebellious groups known as "pinchers" steal electricity to power underground rock concerts, while private security forces suppress dissent with aggressive tactics.
"Ply" is Diaz’s third novel, following "In the Distance" (2017) and "Trust" (2022), the latter sharing the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Diaz’s earlier works have been noted for their inventive approaches: "In the Distance" reimagines 19th-century American frontier life with a subversion of the traditional Westward journey, while "Trust" explores early 20th-century New York’s financial elite and social hierarchies through a modernist lens that critically examines capitalism and gender dynamics.
In contrast, "Ply" ventures into speculative fiction but has received mixed impressions regarding its execution. The novel centers on a nameless young female orphan who, as a skilled pincher, creates portable devices capable of storing substantial amounts of electrical power. This technology draws the attention of various factions, including the menacing troops of Tensor. As she navigates the ruins of the city, she encounters an older female scientist with communist-anarchist beliefs, intent on using the stolen power to manipulate the fabric of reality and potentially create a quantum black hole. A third female character, another orphan, joins their unlikely alliance, forming a loosely outlined commune of women resembling different phases of a single identity.
The portrayal of gender and politics is pronounced throughout "Ply," with male characters largely depicted as antagonistic forces, while the female protagonists are idealized as resilient, intelligent, and morally superior. Diaz integrates themes of collective action, anarchism, and opposition to traditional structures such as capitalism, liberal democracy, and patriarchy. Dialogue often conveys ideological statements, and there is a notable absence of detailed human experiences such as food, intimacy, or everyday interactions.
Critics note that while "Ply" is stylistically polished, it struggles to evoke deep character development or emotional depth. The narrative reportedly oscillates between elements of thriller and literary fiction without fully succeeding in either domain, and the prose is described as heavily didactic. Extended monologues explore scientific and philosophical concepts, though the novel’s tone remains detached and at times self-serious.
Overall, "Ply" marks a thematic departure from Diaz’s earlier historical and realist works, embracing speculative fiction with an emphasis on sociopolitical critique, though its reception underscores the challenges of balancing concept-driven storytelling with engrossing character portrayal and narrative vitality.