The Place Where Chicago Was

by Jim Harmon

"The Place Where Chicago Was" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story is set in a dystopian future where war is eliminated through a technology that induces pacifism, resulting in societal changes that lead to hardships and odd societal structures. The narrative focuses on themes of survival, the human condition, and the moral implications of living in a world stripped of traditional warfare yet filled with new forms of conflict and aggression. The protagonist, Abe Danniels, embarks on a journey to a desolate part of the former United States, where Chicago used to be, amidst a backdrop of enforced pacifism and societal decay. He meets Julie, a woman who challenges his worldview, and they become involved with a group known as the Wolf Pack, who are resistant to the pacifism imposed by technology. As they navigate through their bleak reality, they discuss philosophical and ethical dilemmas regarding life, death, and the nature of violence. Danniels also struggles with his identity as a "Jonah," or war outcast, seeking a way to solve a food crisis resulting from earlier wars and societal changes. The novel combines elements of adventure, philosophy, and deep introspection, leading to an ambitious climax where the characters confront their beliefs about violence, survival, and humanity's future.