In a world where politeness has become an all-consuming force, the inhabitants of Pudibundia live in a state of perpetual nicety. They are bound by intricate rules of etiquette and propriety, which dictate every aspect of their lives. The story follows a young man who begins to question the suffocating nature of this polite society. He starts to notice the absurdities and hypocrisies that underlie the surface-level politeness, and he becomes determined to challenge the status quo. As he delves deeper into the heart of Pudibundia's polite culture, he discovers a dark underbelly of cruelty and manipulation. The people who appear to be the most polite are often the ones who are most ruthless in their pursuit of power and control. The young man's rebellion against the polite society sparks a chain reaction that threatens to upend the entire social order. He must navigate a complex web of alliances and rivalries, all while confronting the true nature of politeness and its effects on human relationships. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the value of politeness in a world where it can be used as a tool for oppression and control.
By R. A. Lafferty · First published 1973 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Satire