Profoundly Challenging, Thought-Provoking, and Uncomfortable
The first few chapters of this book are supremely polarizing. I imagine that audiences will either adore or revile this book, based on what I have read so far. For myself, the reaction is difficult to express plainly. The subject matter here is so worthy of discussion, and handled so adroitly as to make it palatable for a range of readers. The story itself is so good. Generations of clones - the self-made man - living in communities they at once believe are perfect while simultaneously working to perfect.
What struck me - almost literally painfully - in reading this first look is the level of blatant prejudice and how easy it is to see the same prejudices in our world today. The complicity of authorities in allowing "acceptable" groups to behave badly while refusing to stand up for justice for outlying individuals or groups. It is so uncomfortable because it is so real and because it is not possible to affect the actions of characters in a book. But this story - even the first look - has galvanized me to want to take action in my neighborhood, my state, my country.
I am angry with the story. With the much-relied-on concept that it takes an outsider to recognize and appreciate an outsider. That those with privilege, those who have been deemed acceptable, are content with their lot and seek to maintain the status quo because it suits them. That those privileged ones have no care or concern for the betterment of others. It is infuriating that those with the greatest capability of influencing positive change are most often those least likely to seek that change.
So yes. This is a very galvanizing, polarizing story. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of it!
What struck me - almost literally painfully - in reading this first look is the level of blatant prejudice and how easy it is to see the same prejudices in our world today. The complicity of authorities in allowing "acceptable" groups to behave badly while refusing to stand up for justice for outlying individuals or groups. It is so uncomfortable because it is so real and because it is not possible to affect the actions of characters in a book. But this story - even the first look - has galvanized me to want to take action in my neighborhood, my state, my country.
I am angry with the story. With the much-relied-on concept that it takes an outsider to recognize and appreciate an outsider. That those with privilege, those who have been deemed acceptable, are content with their lot and seek to maintain the status quo because it suits them. That those privileged ones have no care or concern for the betterment of others. It is infuriating that those with the greatest capability of influencing positive change are most often those least likely to seek that change.
So yes. This is a very galvanizing, polarizing story. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of it!