Strasbourg-based neurologist Aurélien Benoilid is turning heads with his debut science fiction novel, ReZet, a dystopian exploration of a future where societal reliance on technology leads to a catastrophic loss of memory. Published in January, the book was presented at the Musée Vodou in Strasbourg on February 12th, according to L’Alsace, a local news outlet. Benoilid, who also serves as president of the Forum de bioéthique, began writing ReZet before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the narrative unexpectedly mirrored emerging realities.
ReZet paints a picture of 2036, a society seemingly perfected by technological advancements. A software program called “e-care” has replaced initial medical diagnoses, and most illnesses are curable. However, Alzheimer’s disease remains a persistent challenge, impacting the protagonist, Professor Zacharie Bensoussan, a neurologist whose father suffers from the condition. The novel delves into the potential consequences of unchecked technological progress and the fragility of human memory, themes that resonate deeply in a world increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence.
Central to the novel’s premise are two key inventions: “e-care” and the “Veritarium.” The Veritarium, described as a device capable of infallibly determining the truth of any information – textual, visual, or auditory – effectively eliminates debate on contentious issues like climate change and religion. This concept, Benoilid suggests, raises profound questions about the nature of truth and the importance of critical thinking. The story’s setting is heavily influenced by the actions of Spencer Berger, a billionaire initially focused on space exploration who redirects his efforts towards controlling life on Earth.
Civilization’s Collapse and the Rise of Instinct
The seemingly utopian society depicted in ReZet abruptly collapses when a mysterious illness sweeps across the globe, leaving survivors reduced to a primal state – “zombies sanguinaires,” as described in L’Alsace. The loss of memory and language strips humanity of its civilization, leaving only instinct. Benoilid doesn’t shy away from taboo subjects, including exploring Oedipal themes within this chaotic new world. The narrative follows a group of survivors on a perilous journey to reach Berger’s tower in Jericho, overlooking the Jordan River.
Benoilid, a self-proclaimed fan of science fiction and rock music, incorporates numerous references throughout the novel. The story is interwoven with excerpts from the “Wide Artificial Intelligence” (WAI), an all-encompassing online encyclopedia that serves as a vehicle for Benoilid to explore complex technical subjects, particularly the workings of the human brain.
A Novel Rooted in Contemporary Concerns
Published by Beta Publisher, a Parisian house specializing in genre fiction, ReZet is described as a blend of dystopian fiction, thriller, and philosophical inquiry. The book, 384 pages in length, is priced at €20.50. A presentation of ReZet was also held at the Librairie Kléber in Strasbourg on February 3rd, 2026, as reported by Visit Strasbourg and Le Parisien Étudiant. The novel is positioned as accessible even for readers unfamiliar with the science fiction genre, offering a compelling narrative that questions the extremely essence of what it means to be human in an age of rapidly advancing technology.
As technology continues to permeate every aspect of life, ReZet serves as a timely reminder of the potential risks associated with unchecked innovation and the importance of safeguarding our collective memory and critical thinking skills. The novel’s exploration of a world without truth, and the consequences of surrendering judgment to algorithms, will likely spark debate and reflection long after the final page is turned. The success of ReZet may signal a growing appetite for science fiction that grapples with the ethical and existential challenges of the 21st century.
What comes next for Benoilid remains to be seen, but the critical reception of ReZet suggests a promising future for this Strasbourg-based neurologist turned novelist. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the novel and its themes in the comments below.
