Place Essays

Surrounded by apocalyptic futures, we are subjected to a barrage of end-time possibilities in films, books, and news feeds. However, in a quixotic mood, award-winning writer Hedley Twidle sets out to snatch utopia from the jaws of dystopia.

Whether embarking on a bizarre quest to find Cecil Rhodes's missing nose (sliced off the bust of the Rhodes Memorial) or cycling the Scottish islands with a couple of squabbling anarchists, the author explores forgotten utopias, intentional communities, and islands of imagination with curiosity, hope, and humour. Ranging from the science fiction of Ursula Le Guin to the 'living laboratory' of Auroville in south India, Show Me the Place investigates the deep human desire to imagine alternatives to what we take as normal or inevitable.

The author's adventures take him through a wide range of experiences. He learns to surf (much too late) in the wild, freezing waters off the Cape Peninsula and navigates the fraught polities of a Buddhist retreat centre. Throughout these explorations, he maintains a sense of wonder and a determination to uncover hidden possibilities.

The book's scope is ambitious, as it delves into various realms of human imagination and experimentation. From the fantastical worlds of science fiction to the real-life attempts to create alternative societies, the author seeks to understand the human impulse to envision a better future.

Twidle's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. He weaves together personal experiences, historical anecdotes, and deep insights to create a narrative that challenges the reader to rethink their assumptions about the world. The book's exploration of utopian and dystopian themes resonates with the current social and political climate, offering a refreshing perspective on the human condition.

Throughout the book, the author maintains a balance between seriousness and levity, seamlessly transitioning between moments of profound reflection and instances of unexpected humour. This deft touch allows the reader to engage with the subject matter on a deeper level, without being bogged down by the weight of the concepts.

Ultimately, Show Me the Place is a compelling and insightful exploration of the human desire to imagine and create alternative realities. Hedley Twidle's writing invites the reader to embark on a journey of discovery, challenging them to question the status quo and envision a future that is not defined by the limitations of the present.

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