Genesis

This novel Genesis, written by New Zealander Bernard Beckett, is the story of a dystopian society that has survived a biochemical war around the year 2070.  The main character, a young woman named Anaximander, is applying for admission to The Academy, a prestigious group that rules this future society.

The most important part of the admission entails a 4-hour verbal exam with The Academy philosophers about her research project, an historical figure named Adam Forde.  The conclusion is surprising, yet captivating.