Source: Fortune
Summary
Mackenzie Scott, ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, released her first novel in 13 years, “Last Days in Two Nations,” through Substack. The 80,000-word book, published chapter by chapter, was free to subscribers. Critics called the ending confusing and the formatting unfinished. Some saw intentional ambiguity, while others questioned its clarity. Scott, known for her philanthropy, has rarely commented publicly on her work. The novel, set in a divided America, features 18 characters and has drawn mixed reviews.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Scott gave away $26 billion while publishing a novel with no public fanfare.
Critics called the ending baffling and the formatting unfinished.
Some saw deliberate ambiguity, others saw confusion.
Substack allowed her to bypass traditional publishing and Amazon.
Author: Evan Null
MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropy and Writing
MacKenzie Scott is known for giving away over $26 billion in philanthropy. She has rarely spoken publicly about her work, including her writing. Her first novel in 13 years, “Last Days in Two Nations,” was released through Substack, a platform that allows independent publishing. The book was free to subscribers and published in installments starting on August 8. Scott has a 4% stake in Amazon from her 2019 divorce with Jeff Bezos.
Critics and Readers’ Reactions
Several critics found the novel confusing, with one calling the ending “baffling.” The book was formatted as downloadable PDFs, which some readers found unfinished. The novel is set in a near-future America split into two parts, with a dystopian regime led by a president named Damian Paxton. Scott’s other works include “The Testing of Luther Albright” and “Traps.”
Substack and Publishing Strategy
Scott chose to publish her novel through Substack, bypassing traditional publishing houses and major booksellers. This allowed her to maintain control over the release and distribution. Substack has no advance notice of her plan, as she chose to publish independently. The platform emphasizes giving writers the freedom to publish on their own terms without needing permission.
Complexity and Ambiguity in the Novel
Scott’s novel is complex, with 18 characters and a non-linear narrative. Some critics saw the ambiguity as intentional, while others found it confusing. Morissa Schwartz, a literature expert, said the ambiguity in the prologue and epilogue seemed purposeful but questioned whether it earned its place in the story. She warned against reading the novel as a “roman à clef” with real-life characters.
Scott’s Writing Style and Public Presence
Scott has always preferred complex projects and long-form writing. She trained under Toni Morrison and has a history of exploring deep themes in her work. Despite her public presence through philanthropy, she rarely speaks to the press about her writing. The novel remains free on Substack, suggesting that her message is best left to the readers to interpret.
