From the introduction: ... A world filled with the strangest creatures your mind can fathom, all so human but completely incapable of seeing each other as such so consumed by their petty and bizarre fixations and en endless parade of lies. ... where the government’s role in torturing its citizens has progressed to a stunning art form. ... Where no mistakes are made, and if anyone questions it they're left alone on a volcanic island for a good length of time. ... Where a friend is someone you can trust to not modify your body to create a fascinating melody when you walk. At least it used to be. ... Somewhere so alien and bizarre that its most basic assumptions astounds you, but more and more every day, you cannot escape the fear that you have somehow built it.