“Who would cause anyone unnecessary pain? I’ve never thought of my problem as something that might do some good before, but the way things are, I think it would help. I wish I could give it to people. Failing that, I wish I could find other people who have it, and live among them. A biological conscience is better than no conscience at all.”
That is from the diary of nineteen year old Lauren Olamina who suffers from Hyperempathy Syndrome, a condition which causes her to feel others’ pain. In a normal world this condition would be difficult no doubt, but in the year 2024 when the world is on the brink of collapse this sensitivity to the suffering of others would break any one down. Olamina however has dreams and ideas about the changing world and her own place in it.
The story is set in California at a time when there is chaos ruling the world. No one trusts politicians, police officers don’t even bother to solve crimes and the crimes just keep happening. Lauren’s family is one of the few who are doing better in the world. They live in a walled community where Lauren’s dad is a Baptist minister. Still, the community members must learn to target shoot, they keep watch of their surroundings and don’t go out alone.
But things in the community, as in life, don’t stay the same and Lauren must set out to find a better life. Luckily for Lauren she’s been preparing for this day and she sets out to the North with a couple of other refugees from her community.
There will be difficult moments on the road as people have been reduced to a scavenger-like existence. From where to find a safe place to camp for the night to having to listen to gunfire in the distance, are just some of the things to watch out for, but Lauren’s faith of “God is change” will carry her through the rough moments.
What a thought-provoking novel. Lauren’s diary-like entries are powerful and range in observations on government and social status to married life and friendships. She questions ideas and has her own philosophy. Despite the difficulties she faces every day she doesn’t waver on her beliefs, and that makes for one very memorable character.
I did find the novel grim but no doubt it made me think about the world's problems in this day and age, and what consequences they will present in the future. I’m definitely curious to read the follow up to this book.
Added 06/07