This is a neat little novella blending themes of climate change, social disorder and mental health breakdown. Protagonist Breone Hemmerli is a diplomat, a very capable one who is suffering from dementia. She is called on to engage in diplomacy with what might be aliens (or might be created beings).
The story references the themes but it's mostly Breone's reflections on her memory and what is happening to it. One of the other reviewers said that it is more fun to discuss than to read, and I have to concur. Many of her reflections become repetitive, and not in that poetic way where you know it is on purpose. But there are some great lines in it.Something that I think others have missed--Breone is aware of her breakdown and a lot of the imagery she uses about herself is that of an elderly person. But at the beginning of the book she states her age as sixty-three--not old enough to be retired, for many of us, and for a diplomat that's a prime age for using one's experience. Breone seems aware of this and has the idea that she should be capable, IS capable. Breone is suffering from early-onset dementia, a particularly debilitating condition, though often not as drawn out as dementia that occurs later.
Interesting as a literary piece. Not compelling as a read. But I'm glad I read it.
No comments:
Post a Comment