Antale

Subtitled 'an allegory of a world reborn' this novel dramatises the struggles of the 20th century in terms of conflict and reconciliation by using the world of ants. There is a large cast of characters, many of which have allegorical names like Wiseria, Appesia, Bravada, Electra and even Inebria. The evolutionary development is to find new ways of resolving conflict that do not simply reinforce old resentments. Wiseria proposes: 'In times of upheaval it is all too common to look to the past and remember old grievances, rather than look to the future and imagine new agreements. I would hope that we do not make that mistake today.' The community is threatened both by drought and external aggression, which encourages the leaders to think in terms of mutual support and co-operation. Meanwhile the future generation is trained in a new view that embraces life not death and destruction. Threatening bombs are cleared away and the drought is broken with refreshing rain. As one reader has pointed out, the book would make a powerful allegorical film.