Publication Details and Platform Choice
Mackenzie Scott released her novel "Last Days in Two Nations (A History in Eighteen Minds)" through self-publishing on the platform Substack. The work was made available to readers over the course of August in nine separate installments, all provided free of charge. Scott announced the release on her verified X account and published the text under her current legal name, Mackenzie Scott.
The decision to utilize Substack as the primary distribution channel was noted as a strategic move to keep the work off of Amazon, the online retailer co-founded by her ex-husband, Jeff Bezos. The novel marks Scott's first fiction publication since her divorce from Bezos in 2019.
Narrative Structure and Setting
The novel is set in a dystopian near-future where the United States has been divided into two distinct political entities. One region consists of the "Still United" states, while the other is an authoritarian regime known as the Dakota Membership. The narrative unfolds over the span of one week and follows 18 different characters whose perspectives are explored through third-person narration.
The plot centers on these characters conspiring to free themselves from the control of the Dakota Membership. Within this setting, the government enforces strict controls on information and technology. There is no internet access available to the public, and non-propaganda news sources are prohibited. Additionally, common household appliances such as stoves and refrigerators have been banned.
The Dakota Membership Regime
The authoritarian government in the novel is described as a fascistic society that is simultaneously plagued by pandemics. The regime utilizes "self-improvement centers" to enforce compliance, sending children who exhibit quirks or parents who have had brushes with rebellion to these facilities for gene therapy treatments.
The antagonist of the story is President Damian Paxton, an autocrat characterized by his fondness for eugenics, koi fish, and lavish residences. The narrative explores the dynamics between the populace and Paxton's administration as the characters navigate the restrictions imposed by the state.
Historical Context and Previous Works
This publication follows a significant period of financial change for Scott. In 2019, she divorced Jeff Bezos, receiving a settlement that included approximately $38 billion worth of Amazon stock, representing roughly 4% of the company. This settlement was among the largest in history at the time.
Scott has previously published fiction under her former married name, Mackenzie Bezos. Her earlier novels include "The Testing of Luther Albright," released in 2005, and "Traps," which was published in 2013. The release of "Last Days in Two Nations" represents her return to the genre after more than a decade.