In a dystopian future city, a courtesan named Jewel seeks revenge after her friend is murdered by a client but mysteriously comes back to life. The novella explores themes of power, exploitation, and justice in a world where loyalty and survival are constantly tested.

"And What Can We Offer You Tonight" by Premee Mohamed is a mesmerizing and poignant novella that packs an astonishing amount of depth and emotion into its succinct 80 pages. Set in a dystopian future city where the wealthy hold all the power and the poor are culled for the slightest misstep, the story follows Jewel, an established courtesan in a luxurious House. When her friend and fellow courtesan Winfield is brutally murdered by a client, only to inexplicably come back to life seeking vengeance, Jewel's world is turned upside down as she grapples with the limits of loyalty, guilt, and justice in a society devoid of fairness.

One of the novella's greatest strengths lies in Mohamed's exquisite prose. The author masterfully crafts a dreamlike, stream-of-consciousness narrative that immerses the reader in Jewel's psyche, bringing to life the protagonist's conflicted emotions, self-deception, and moments of startling clarity. The writing style perfectly captures the essence of Jewel's world—a place where safety comes at the cost of freedom and personhood. Mohamed's lyrical language imbues the story with a haunting beauty that juxtaposes the tale's dark themes, creating a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Despite its brevity, "And What Can We Offer You Tonight" boasts a cast of remarkably well-developed characters. Jewel, as the narrator, is a complex and relatable protagonist, struggling to maintain a sense of self in a world that seeks to strip her of agency. Her internal conflict between the desire for safety and the yearning for justice is palpable and deeply affecting. Winfield, the resurrected courtesan, is an enigmatic and captivating figure, embodying the very essence of vengeance and fury. The interactions between these characters, along with their fellow courtesan Nero, form the emotional core of the story, showcasing the fragile yet powerful bonds that can emerge in the face of shared trauma and oppression.

The novella's worldbuilding is another aspect that deserves high praise. In just a few pages, Mohamed conjures a vivid and unsettling vision of a future society, replete with toxic floodscapes, government-sanctioned culls, and the stark divide between the privileged and the powerless. The House of Bicchieri, where Jewel and her fellow courtesans reside, serves as a microcosm of this dystopian world, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of unchecked power and the commodification of human beings. Mohamed's deft exploration of themes such as exploitation, greed, and the search for connection in a hostile world elevates the narrative beyond a simple revenge tale, transforming it into a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant work of speculative fiction.

"And What Can We Offer You Tonight" is a novella that will linger in readers' minds long after they have turned the final page. Premee Mohamed's evocative prose, richly drawn characters, and masterful handling of weighty themes make for a truly unforgettable reading experience. This dark and beautiful tale of power, corruption, and the struggle for personhood in a dystopian future is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and anyone who appreciates stories that challenge and move them in equal measure. With this novella, Mohamed has firmly established herself as a rising star in the genre, and readers will undoubtedly be eager to see what other literary marvels she has in store.