Darryan held the book Fahrenheit 451 in his hand. He had just come back from a publishing company which had denounced his book for “lacking conformity to society’s standards”. He remained puzzled when, there before his eyes, was advertised an international best-selling book – a book which showed and depicted fornication and promiscuity and advocated adultery. Though the masses hated books, when engaged in reading they merely diluted their minds with irrelevant books.

“Excuse me sir but is that the book 50 Shades of a Colour?” asked a man who approached Darryan as he stood waiting at a bus stop.

“No, it’s Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.”

“Oh I see, well what’s it about?”

“A society where firemen actually burn stuff, mainly books.”

“Sounds far too deep in understanding. Well, take care,” said the stranger as he left Darryan standing at the bus stop.

Entering his apartment, Darryan moved piles of books about as he went to continue his writing at his desk. He spent hours diligently writing and composing books. Unfortunately for him, he lived in the society that abhorred books, as the one in Fahrenheit 451 did. He owned several copies of the books 1984, Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World. Darryan’s sole purpose in life was writing, and if he lived in a world that despised reading, then he had no purpose in living. However, he knew tomorrow might yield a change in mind for him. His last ever manuscript submission it would be.

“Mr Dru, I’m sorry but this manuscript won’t make it in today’s market,” said a chief editor for the publishing company Darryan had submitted his manuscript to.

“Why! Give me one good reason why my book won’t sell?” asked Darryan in a fury as he constantly wished for clarification but never had the guts to ask why.

“Certainly. As a matter of fact Mr Dru, I’ll give you several reasons. Firstly, you’re writing dystopian books. Though your books are on par with 1984 and Brave New World, society hates books that cause thought. You address themes in your book that most people refuse to be concerned about. An example will be how you assume media brainwashes people, how television destroys the ability to think et cetera, et cetera. Look at society – why do you think a book like 50 Shades of a Colour is so successful?”

“I wouldn’t know, I didn’t bother to read it.”

“Exactly. That book is filled with perversity, fornication, adultery and sexual immorality. People buy titles, covers and books that cater to the lustful not conscious side of their lives. You were simply born in the wrong generation. Had it been 300 years ago your books would have been in the category of the greatest books ever written. Unless you adapt to the times you’re living in then your books will never get published,” concluded the chief editor.

Darryan was shocked and speechless. His single hope evaporated like smoke. He walked as he looked and stared at society still holding the book Fahrenheit 451 in hand. Darryan saw the physical manifestation of it before his eyes.

Standing at the edge of a bridge, his long hair blowing in the wind, cars speeding past him, Darryan closed his eyes and plummeted to his death. Having been an author to a generation that despised enlightenment, Darryan hoped that in death he would find solace.