Cry Snooker

"Cry Snooker" by Andrew Fetler is a satirical short story written in the early 1960s. This work combines elements of science fiction and dark comedy to explore the absurdities of modern life, especially with respect to technology and personal relationships. At its core, the book presents a commentary on consumerism and societal priorities through the outlandish premise of a domestic pressure cooker that inadvertently evolves into a destructive weapon. The narrative revolves around George, a seemingly ordinary man, and his interactions with his wife Rosy, their young son Timmy, and friends who navigate the chaos sparked by a malfunctioning kitchen appliance. As the pressure cooker, which is a high-tech military prototype, spirals out of control, it inadvertently wreaks havoc on their suburban neighborhood. The absurdity escalates as the device is mistaken for a government project that inadvertently highlights the bizarre consequence of modern inventions—leading George from mundane domesticity to unexpected notoriety and responsibility in a society fixated on absurd consumption and destruction. Ultimately, the story culminates in George's decision to escape this surreal reality, along with his family, mirroring a broader critique of the relentless pace and unpredictability of contemporary life.