Kallocain

First published in Swedish in 1940, this novel envisioned a future of drab terror. Seen through the eyes of idealistic scientist Leo Kall, it depicts a totalitarian world state. Its central idea grew from the rumours of truth drugs that ensured the subservience of every citizen to the state. This classic Swedish novel envisioned a future of drab terror. Seen through the eyes of idealistic scientist Leo Kall, Kallocain's depiction of a totalitarian world state is a montage of what novelist Karin Boye had seen or sensed in 1930s Russia and Germany. Its central idea grew from the rumors of truth drugs that ensured the subservience of every citizen to the state.