The Fantasies of Future Things By Doug Jones

Credit: Simon & Schuster

In this episode of Narrative Edge from Georgia Public Broadcasting, hosts Orlando Montoya and Peter Biello dive into The Fantasies of Future Things, a debut novel by Doug Jones. Set in Atlanta in the early 1990s, the story follows two young Black men, Jacob and Daniel, as they navigate professional and personal dilemmas during a wave of Olympic-fueled gentrification. As employees of a real estate company reshaping neighborhoods, the pair wrestle with the morality of their work, torn between ambition and community responsibility.

Jones’ novel explores the layered identities of his characters, especially Jacob, an out gay man struggling to come out to his parents, and Daniel, who is grieving the recent death of his mother while reconciling with his biracial upbringing. The discussion highlights how these emotional undercurrents are reflected in the surrounding political and social upheaval. Through characters like Beth, a brash developer, and Cornelius, a shrewd local politician, the book reveals the often unseen mechanics of power, privilege, and self-interest that shape urban change.

The Fantasies of Future Things exhibits a careful balance of interpersonal drama with broader societal critique. The hosts reflect on how Jones brings depth to his characters without leaning on stereotypes, particularly through moments of raw vulnerability and complex family dynamics. With Atlanta as both a setting and a character, this novel captures the uncertainty and intensity of young adulthood while shedding light on the costs of progress in a rapidly changing city.

The Fantasies of Future Things is set in the rapidly changing landscape of Atlanta on the eve of the 1996 Olympics. On this episode of Narrative Edge, Peter and Orlando delve into this powerful debut novel, which tells the story of two Black men working for a real estate development firm that is responsible for uprooting the very communities they call home.