The Raft

“The day every person on earth lost his and her memory was not a day at all. In people’s minds there was no actual event . . . and thus it could be followed by no period of shock or mourning. There could be no catharsis. Everyone was simply reset to zero.”

On Day Zero, the collapse of civilization was as instantaneous as it was inevitable. A mysterious and oppressive movement rose to power in the aftermath, forcing people into isolated communes run like regimes. Kayle Jenner finds himself trapped on a remote beach and all that remains of his life before is the vague and haunting vision of his son.

Kayle finally escapes, only to find a broken world being put back together in strange ways. As more memories from his past life begin returning, the people he meets wandering the face of a scorched earth—some reluctant allies, others dangerous enemies—begin to paint a terrifying picture. In his relentless search for his son, Kayle will discover more than just his lost past. He will discover the truth behind Day Zero—a truth that makes both fools and gods of men.

Fred Strydom studied film and media at the University of Cape Town. He has taught English in South Korea and published a number of short stories. He currently works as a television writer and producer in Johannesburg, where he lives with his wife, three dogs, cat, and horse.

“A wildly imaginative science fiction odyssey. Always compelling, it works on a lot of levels, and they all come together like clockwork in the end. Highly recommended.”
—Scott Hawkins, author of The Library at Mount Char

“Enchanting, captivating, intriguing...none of these do The Raft justice. Strydom's fresh voice and confident prose will completely engross you. A stellar debut!”
—New York Times bestseller Jason M. Hough, author of Zero World

"Strydom’s debut subverts postapocalyptic fiction with a scathing parable of pain and paranoia ... reinvigorates the genre with a suspenseful concept and intimately realized characters. [A] sucker punch of a novel."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“If you think you’ve seen it all, read it all when it comes to dystopian fiction, you really haven’t—not until you’ve experienced The Raft. I was enchanted, awestruck, and ultimately moved by Fred Strydom’s rip-cracking debut.”
—Nick Cutter, bestselling author of The Troop and The Deep

“This eerie debut about one man’s search for truth, even though what he finds may hurt more than it heals, features a protagonist with raw emotions and a strong voice, carrying what could be a convoluted plot to an unforgettable ending.”
—Library Journal, starred review

“This novel really is a masterpiece. It’s different and haunting. It’s devastatingly good. And it’s beautifully put together. If you don’t read another SF novel this year, shame on you. If you do, make it The Raft.”
—John Love, author of Faith and Evensong

"One of the sharpest premises in 2016 . . . The Raft is a must-read."
—B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

“F***ing fantastic. The writing, from start to finish, is wonderful. The Raft is easily the best book I’ve read this year, and one that I’m not sure will be topped.”
—We the Nerdy

“The Raft was a refreshing, unique read. [I] can see it sticking with me for a long time. I look forward to seeing what Fred Strydom writes next.”
—Christy's Love of Books

“A strong debut in the genre and sure to interest SF readers in general—and dystopia fans in particular.”
—Booklist

“Riveting and moving science fiction ... I read The Raft in one sitting.”
—Rant and Rave Reviews

“A must-read, even for hardened 'realist' readers.”
—Aerodrome

“A writer to watch ... a philosophical adventure story that takes the reader into a terrifying world where no one can remember who or what they are.”
—BDlive

“A brilliant book, and one not to be missed ... a rollicking good dystopian novel.”
—Cape Times