"Gold Fame Citrus" is a dystopian novel set in a near-future California ravaged by climate change and a severe drought. The story follows the lives of Captivity "Kit" Whitman and her partner, who struggle to survive in a world where the government exerts control over water and resources. Caught in a society where the landscape has drastically changed, they navigate their lives amid a harsh reality shaped by environmental collapse.
As the plot progresses, Kit encounters a mysterious child known as the "Mojave Boy." This character embodies hope and curiosity in a desolate world, prompting Kit to reflect on the values of survival and connection. The relationship between Kit and the boy drives the narrative forward, as she grapples with identity and responsibility amidst societal decay.