Hernan Diaz envisions a post-apocalyptic New York in 'Ply'

Hernan Diaz, Pulitzer Prize winner, makes a radical turn with his new novel 'Ply.' Abandoning the historical settings of his previous successes, the Argentine-American author propels readers into a distant future, into a version of New York City that is almost unrecognizable.

The city has been transformed by the collapse of the United States and the end of modern democracy. Centralized government is a thing of the past, and with it have vanished public services: no healthcare, education, or public utilities. It is the ultimate triumph of a dystopia reminiscent of 'Project 2025' taken to its extreme conclusion.

The plot follows a nameless protagonist, traumatized by the murder of her father during a nascent political uprising. The story intertwines with an ambitious scientific experiment and a plan to siphon energy from the powerful Tensor corporation, in a mix of philosophy and action. Diaz confirms his reputation as an author capable of exploring the structures of existence through complex, multi-layered narratives.