SuitabookConvergence
Marita Smith
- Reading
- Try reading a few chapters together first, keeping track of the different characters and scientific terms. Pause after major viewpoint changes to clarify what each person wants, and discuss the environmental questions as they emerge.
- Themes
- Scientific power and exploitation: Robyn’s discovery is targeted by the MRI, which plans to exploit it and use people with the gene as laboratory subjects. The conflict frames coercive scientific control as the threat, inviting questions about consent and the responsibilities attached to discovery.
- Human relationships with the natural world: The story links communication with animals, an ancient cycle and the Earth’s balance, while warning of a terrible future for the planet. The premise treats human and non-human life as interconnected and places environmental responsibility within a speculative adventure.
- Identity and representation: A central character is bisexual and still figuring out her sexuality; reader comments also note that women are prominent rather than background figures. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to how the story handles scientific power, environmental responsibility and sexuality. The plot includes pursuit, threatened exploitation of people for research, danger to the planet, and a possible love triangle; the ending and consequences remain unclear.