THE PHYSIOLOGIST

WORLD AWARD FOR FICTION 1998

In the anti-utopian Well-Made City of the genius but tyrannical lord Drakton Bellow, the dominant science is Physiognomy, the study of the shape of the human body. With his diabetes, Physicist Clay can determine a person's abilities, reveal their deepest secrets, and change their very fate. When Bellow sends the arrogant and misanthropic Clay to the underdeveloped city of Anamasobia with orders to bring the miraculous Fruit of Paradise, Clay has no idea that his mission is about to turn into a nightmarish odyssey.

But soon he will discover the truth about his profession and himself, and will fight life and death for his redemption. The Physiognomist is a truly compelling fantasy novel, full of suspense and horror, but also symbolism and allegory reminiscent of Kafka, Orwell and Borges. Its story will enchant you, its plot will captivate you, and the world of the Well-Made City will be forever etched in your mind.