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Overview "The Dictation" is a novel written by Nathan Van Wie. Intended to be cryptic and philosophical, there are layers of plot that the reader may not catch on their first read. Many subtle commentaries on politics and religion weave through this work, illustrating how the best intentions can result in the worst of actions.

Synopsis Written from the perspective of an unnamed, multi-titled man as he grapples with a devastating reality and an unwell mind. The reader is called upon to determine if he is the cause of his misery, or a mere victim of circumstance. Many characters in the story are assumedly schizophrenic projections, though the extent of his imagined reality is unclear. Three separate stories, which we will categorize as Adrianne's story, the Sage's story, and present day, progress throughout the book, slowly revealing more about the unnamed man's character and circumstance.

Adrianne, a girl who lives in a futuristic, utopian setting, struggles with the system of rules put in place by her country's leadership. Intended to procure ultimate circumstance for human evolution, the theocratic government is headed by The Founder, who enforces harsh punishments for those who disobey the law.

The Sage's story is set in a dystopian world. The Sage enters a small community of flood survivors, set in what was once a peak among the rocky mountains, but had since become an island. The Sage works his way up the political ladder as he attempts to guide the community through struggles with disease, resources, and animosity towards the "hill people", a competing group of survivors.

Journal entries, a prologue, and an epilogue reveal reality, which names writer of the story as a politician, placing him in a mental asylum. Doctors discuss his writings, and how they might reveal truth about an ongoing trial against him.

This book is intended to be the first of three books written from the perspective of The Founder.