Supposedly one of, if not the, first examples of cli-fi; dystopias set among the total collapse of the environment as a result of human interference. Ballard's cause may not seem completely believable, but the effects certainly are. The oceans stop evaporating, rain ceases, and humanity runs out of water within months. The rich, verdant lands of New England devolve into a frantic struggle for survival as millions make their way to the shore to try to survive.

(Again, the definition of dystopia: When something happens to rich white people that's been happening to others in real life for decades.)

Certainly influenced by Ballard's own experiences in WW2, the description of civilization falling apart, then society, then humanity itself as everyone becomes a climate refugee with nowhere to run to is the book's main strength, and it's a good one. The kooky cast of characters, perhaps somewhat less so.

Buy stock in water, they tell me. Rich parts of the world will start running out before 2030.