Letter to the Future

Amelia Bentup reviews the new dystopian novel by Michael D. O’Brien, published by Ignatius Press.

Letter to the Future

By Michael D. O'Brien
Published by Ignatius Press

What would happen if all cell phones and digital communication suddenly stopped working without any explanation? What would happen if freedoms were eroded and totalitarian rule became the norm? What would happen if jobs were lost and lives ruined simply for speaking the truth? Letter to the Future by Michael D. O’Brien is a Catholic dystopian novel that explores this very scenario.  

Set in Canada, this novel is written from the viewpoint of Cleveland Longfellow, a simple man who God calls to an incredible task, to help lead a group of people through the collapse of society to flee from totalitarian rule into the mountains of British Columbia. While society is collapsing all around them, Cleveland and the others in his caravan must discern who to trust and who not to trust. They must learn to find their way following only a hand-drawn map and their trust in God. There are many dangers to contend with, and they need to learn to survive without the comforts and technology of modern life.  

Cleveland is a fallen-away Catholic who comes back to his childhood faith through the influence of his boss, an imposing, faithful, and strong owner of a construction company with a degree in philosophy. Following a dream and vision, Cleveland, his boss, and his boss’s family pack up and travel to Cleveland’s inherited cabin deep in the woods and mountains, far from civilization. Along the way, they are joined by various others, some faithful Catholics following their own dream or vision from God. Others had only a slight connection to Catholicism, but are rescued and saved by this group of refugees, and God brings them all together.   

Much of the novel takes place over the course of just a few days, when all communication ceases, totalitarian rule becomes the norm, churches are shut down, and priests are martyred. However, after the turmoil settles down, we are given an intriguing glimpse into what life may be like when society has to be rebuilt from scratch and how the heroes and heroines of our story learn to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, and rebuild a thriving society without modern technology. 

Faith Plays a Paramount Role in this Novel 

Throughout the novel, the Catholic faith of the characters plays a paramount role. Certain well-known prophecies derived from private revelation are referenced, and the characters are often spoken to by God via dreams and visions. The celebration of the Mass is emphasized along with the deep need for prayer and hard work. The refugees must rely on their faith and trust in God’s goodness to take them through their exile into a better future.  

I greatly enjoyed reading this book and found it to be rather reminiscent of other popular Catholic dystopian novels that were written during my college years. The characters were inspiring, although a bit larger than life and too perfect at times. The storyline was gripping, and I found the insight into what may happen if society breaks down to be rather intriguing. The book is a page-turner, both entertaining and inspiring, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre of novels.  

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Copyright 2025 Amelia Bentrup
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