J.B. Ballard

The Profile

English novelist primarily associated with speculative, dystopian and catastrophic fiction. Notable works include Empire of the Sun, Concrete Island and The Wind from Nowhere (Vento dal nulla).

Born 1930, died 2009. Debut novel The Wind from Nowhere (published 1961). Frequently explored catastrophe, human behaviour and dystopian landscapes.

A single, appreciative review that treats The Wind from Nowhere as an imperfect but interesting debut exploring catastrophe and human selfishness. The reviewer praises the incipit and finale, criticises the layout and sparse characterisation, and compares the experience to riffling an ancient tome. Overall a 4/5 reading recommendation.