Stark (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Ben Elton |
| Products | Book |
Stark is a 1989 novel penned by comedian Ben Elton, marking the beginning of his successful writing career. The book garnered both commercial acclaim and positive critical reception in the United Kingdom and Australia. Within its first year, it was reprinted 23 times and surpassed one million copies sold, placing Elton among a select group of debut authors to achieve such sales figures. This novel was later adapted into the television miniseries Stark.
As a satirical work with pronounced environmental concerns, Stark has drawn comparisons to the writings of Douglas Adams and Grant Naylor. The narrative primarily takes place in a near-future dystopian Australia and follows an expatriate Englishman through multiple viewpoints, occasionally shifting to perspectives from animals. Initial scenes are set in Carlton, a fictional locale near Perth, Western Australia, while much of the storyline unfolds within the desert towns of Kalgoorkatta and Bullens Creek in Western Australia. The concluding scene occurs in outer space, possibly on the Moon.
Themes
This novel offers a satirical examination of corporate, governmental, and societal attitudes toward environmental issues prevalent in the late 1980s. It critiques indifferent big business interests and wealthy elites while also lampooning environmental activists as either ineffective or self-defeating.
Combining weighty subject matter with humor, the comic elements often conclude abruptly when minor characters meet sudden deaths. Elton’s distinctive crude and awkward humor features characters dealing with issues such as flatulence, intoxication, legal difficulties, and troubled relationships. The story ridicules religion, place names, foreigners, and explores the complexities inherent in male-female interactions. Corporate and military institutions are consistently parodied throughout the narrative. The main character represents the archetype of a failing, self-critical Englishman struggling with personal connections.
Prominent themes addressed include:
- Air pollution
- The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
- Displacement of Indigenous Australians
- Far-right politics
- Finance
- Global warming
- Nuclear power
- Racism
- Recreational drug use
- Unrequited love
- Uranium mining
- White supremacy
Synopsis
Colin "CD" Dobson leads an uneventful existence amid an escalating environmental crisis threatening planetary collapse through sudden ecosystem 'avalanches.' The Stark conspiracy—a secret alliance of the world’s wealthiest and most influential men—has long been aware that ecosystems are on the brink of failure. To ensure their own survival, they covertly construct a fleet of spacecraft intended for colonizing the Moon, effectively abandoning Earth to suffer from 'total toxic overload.'
They secure territory in Western Australia to serve as their launch base while manipulating global financial markets by offloading stocks to provoke a crash and reduce resource costs. Additionally, they acquire ownership of the Moon from the U.S. government, along with essential equipment.
Six spacecraft known as 'Star Arks' are engineered for lunar voyages; three are designed to transport 250 humans collectively, accompanied by embryos and life-support resources. The initiative is disguised as developing a desert resort.
CD and his associates establish 'EcoAction' to resist this cabal and defend the environment. They infiltrate the launch facility, exposing the conspiracy and causing disturbances. CD competes with conspirator Sly Moorcock for Rachel’s affection; ultimately, Rachel aligns herself with Sly within the conspiracy.
EcoAction attempts to raise global awareness but encounters skepticism and lethal reprisals from the cabal. Rachel betrays Sly in an effort to thwart the launch but is subdued and escapes to rejoin EcoAction. Despite their efforts, the Star Arks are launched; those aboard face isolation and despair. Subsequently, Sly Moorcock takes his own life. The narrative closes with a cautionary message directed at consumers regarding environmental neglect during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Characters
The story includes a wide range of characters, mainly humans divided between the protagonists, EcoAction, and their adversaries, the Stark Conspiracy. Additionally, several minor roles—often portrayed by animals—provide humor or social critique.
Animals in the narrative are given human traits, names, and viewpoints, frequently shown as possessing greater intelligence than people. Their uncomplicated existence stands in stark contrast to the environmental damage caused by human overconsumption. Near the conclusion, a camel named Walter Culboon—honoring two late EcoAction members—becomes instrumental in gaining access to the Stark headquarters.
Human characters
The group EcoAction is composed of varied individuals connected to the primary conflict with the Stark Conspiracy:
- Colin "CD" Dobson, an Australian of British origin whose rash decisions are motivated by personal interests.
- Rachel Kelly, initially CD’s romantic partner who eventually forms a relationship with Sly Moorcock.
- Zimmerman, a Vietnam War veteran and former Army commando who sustained injuries.
- Walter, an environmental advocate closely allied with Zimmerman.
- Johnny and Maud Culboon, Indigenous Australians whose ancestral lands are threatened by the conspiracy.
- Christine 'Chrissy' Kelly, an investigative American journalist uncovering the conspiracy’s financial manipulations.
Opposing them within the Stark Conspiracy are:
- Silvester "Sly" Moorcock, a businessman deeply embedded in the conspiracy.
- Tex Slampacker, an American magnate in the fast food industry.
- Ocker Tyron, an Australian entrepreneur and Moorcock’s competitor.
- Mr Nagasyu, a Japanese innovator in technology.
- Professor Durf, an ecological scientist heading the Domesday Group’s research division.
- Aristos Tyron, Ocker’s obsequious sibling.
- Gordon Gordon, a white supremacist skinhead employing intimidation against Indigenous landowners.
Connections with other works
Ben Elton transformed the novel into the television miniseries Stark, produced collaboratively by the BBC and ABC. Elton took on the lead role alongside Colin Friels portraying Sly Moorcock and Jacqueline McKenzie as Rachel. The adaptation introduced changes including character renamings and a modified conclusion. Elton’s subsequent novels, Gridlock and This Other Eden, further delve into environmental issues set within dystopian contexts.