A close read of Mackenzie Scott's baffling post-divorce novel

Mackenzie Scott, formerly known as Mackenzie Bezos, became one of the world's richest people after her divorce from Jeff Bezos in 2019. She started giving away her fortune shortly after the divorce and has remained private about her philanthropic efforts. Recently, Scott announced that she would self-publish a serialized novel titled "Last Days in Two Nations (A History in Eighteen Minds)."

The novel is set in a dystopian future where America is divided into two factions, and it features 18 characters navigating the challenges of this oppressive society. Scott's writing style is heavy-handed, using subtle and direct references to historical events and political figures, such as the Third Reich and the second Trump administration.

The main character, Liv Lockhart, is both complicit and a rebel within this dystopia, justifying her actions through her maternal love. Scott's intent behind publishing this novel remains unclear, but it seems to be an invitation for speculation about her thoughts on her ex-husband, her own identity, and perhaps the broader implications of her actions.