The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

A man has a revelation that life is an unhappy accident in a meaningless universe. He gets a gun but dreams of an alternative earth where people live in harmony with nature. He sets out to tell the world about his dream, adapted by Laurence Boswell.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

"I've been called many things throughout my life, but one word that has consistently stuck with me is "mad." It's not that I feel particularly crazy or out of touch with reality; rather, it's a label that people have often used to describe me when I've dared to challenge the status quo or speak out against injustice.

One uneventful Wednesday in a drab Borough of East London, I had a startling revelation that would change the course of my life forever. Life, I realized, was an unhappy accident in a meaningless universe. I couldn't shake the feeling that there had to be more to this existence than what met the eye.

Feeling a sense of urgency and frustration, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I got myself a gun, a weapon that I believed would give me the power to change the world and make it a better place. But before I could use it, I had a dream.

In my dream, I saw a beautiful, idyllic world where people lived in harmony with nature and each other. The air was clean, the water was pure, and the sun shone brightly. There was no poverty, no war, and no suffering. It was a place of pure joy and peace.

I was elated when I woke up from that dream. I knew that I had to share my vision of a happy planet with the world. I set out on a mission to tell everyone about my dream and to spread my message of hope and love.

Dostoevsky's tragic-comic adventure, "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man," was transported to 21st-century London in a one-person tale of wonder, adapted by Laurence Boswell. The story follows a man named Ivan, who is plagued by a sense of despair and hopelessness after his wife leaves him. He decides to take his own life, but before he can do so, he has a dream that changes his perspective on life forever.

In his dream, Ivan is transported to a world where everything is possible. He meets a group of people who are also searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. They work together to create a better world, one where everyone is respected and valued. Ivan is amazed by the beauty and wonder of this world and is inspired to continue his mission to spread his message of hope and love.

The story is a funny and serious tale of hope, one that reminds us that with love and trust, we can build a better world. It's a message that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written over 100 years ago.

This edition of "The Dream of a Ridiculous Man" was published to coincide with the world premiere at Londons Marylebone Theatre in March 2024. The play is a powerful testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

As I reflect on my life and the journey that brought me to this point, I realize that being called "mad" has been one of my greatest blessings. It has inspired me to challenge the status quo
quo and to speak out against injustice. It has led me to pursue my dreams and to create a better world for myself and for others.

I hope that this story will inspire you to pursue your dreams and to never give up on your vision of a better world. Whether you choose to get a gun or not, I believe that we all have the power to make a difference in the world. It starts with a single step, a single word, a single dream.

So, let us take a moment to reflect on our lives and the world around us. Let us remember that life is an unhappy accident in a meaningless universe, but that we have the power to make it a better place. Let us embrace our dreams and work together to create a world that is filled with love, hope, and peace."

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350500976