/lit/ - Literature

I'm sorry, OP, I don't know, but it does sort of sound like a Ian Banks novel. Read through the descriptions of some of his works, and see if any of those click.

Also, click though here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dystopian_literature#1980s).). That might help you. It's a partial list of the dystopian literature to come out around the time you place your dad's book.

Pic unrelated, except that it's my way of telling OP sorry for all the crap in this thread.