Review by Sarpande -- Superbugs by Tayma Tameem
1 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "Superbugs" by Tayma Tameem.]
I give Superbugs by Tayma Tameem 4 out of four stars for telling a thought-provoking story about a dystopian future with a main character who wants to do the right thing. Filled with reminders of the current ongoing pandemic Superbugs tells the story of a potentially dark future for humanity and that there are people who truly want to make things better, no matter what goals those in power have.
One of the best features of this story are the characters and how the author takes the time to make sure they all have individual voices and roles, with no one feeling like there are not there for a reason. The main character appears to Lily, the leader of a group of city residents living during the Pandemic Era cool and collected most stressful of times with the ferocity of a mother bear when any of her residents are threatened. Unlike those in power during her time and others who want her leadership role, Lily genuinely cares about the people she's responsible for. Another aspect of Lily's character is that she is one of the few people who questions what the authoritarian government and megacorp say about the world about why the world couldn't be better for ordinary people. This thinking doesn't stop her from taking in a runaway pregnant teenager just because it the compassionate thing to do. She knows something is wrong with the messages the powers that be tell her and wants to do something that can change the world for the better.
One aspect I had some mixed reactions about was the story structure, especially with the overload of background information taking up a great deal of it. While it does detail how the world Lily lives in is off-putting at times, as it takes so long to understand its importance to the progression of the story. Also, there is one point that I can describe as a flashback within a flashback. Instead of immediately going back to the current events of the story before the first flashback started, the second one repeats the characters' footsteps until the present day. Though with all the world-building Tameem creates, it does paint a very detailed picture of this futuristic world.
The overall message I think the author was trying to tell us is what people will do when faced with fear-inducing circumstances. There is no better way of creating such an environment is a world thrown into chaos by a pandemic. Like I said in a previous paragraph, Lily is one of the few characters who are willing to risk everything to protect anyone who needs help, even providing some with much needed emotional support. The government and their affiliates prefer to use the fear of the pandemic as a means to control the general population without making active strides to taking care of the people. Instead, they fear for their own power and health while ignoring those who need help. Characters such as Lily and Mabel try not to let fear get in their way of living despite losing everything and everyone they cared about at some point in their lives. Others like Victor want to help others, but fear those in power and risk losing that ability if he doesn't follow their commands. This story tells how fear can be a great motivator to do terrible things, but it also shows how it can bring out the best in people.
I believe Superbugs is a novel that needs to out in these times as it shows people who find strength during these bleak and dark times. There are times where the story became a bit confusing to follow, but the amount of detail makes up for those flaws. I look forward to future stories from this author, and perhaps a sequel if there are plans to do so.
******
Superbugs
View: on Bookshelves
I give Superbugs by Tayma Tameem 4 out of four stars for telling a thought-provoking story about a dystopian future with a main character who wants to do the right thing. Filled with reminders of the current ongoing pandemic Superbugs tells the story of a potentially dark future for humanity and that there are people who truly want to make things better, no matter what goals those in power have.
One of the best features of this story are the characters and how the author takes the time to make sure they all have individual voices and roles, with no one feeling like there are not there for a reason. The main character appears to Lily, the leader of a group of city residents living during the Pandemic Era cool and collected most stressful of times with the ferocity of a mother bear when any of her residents are threatened. Unlike those in power during her time and others who want her leadership role, Lily genuinely cares about the people she's responsible for. Another aspect of Lily's character is that she is one of the few people who questions what the authoritarian government and megacorp say about the world about why the world couldn't be better for ordinary people. This thinking doesn't stop her from taking in a runaway pregnant teenager just because it the compassionate thing to do. She knows something is wrong with the messages the powers that be tell her and wants to do something that can change the world for the better.
One aspect I had some mixed reactions about was the story structure, especially with the overload of background information taking up a great deal of it. While it does detail how the world Lily lives in is off-putting at times, as it takes so long to understand its importance to the progression of the story. Also, there is one point that I can describe as a flashback within a flashback. Instead of immediately going back to the current events of the story before the first flashback started, the second one repeats the characters' footsteps until the present day. Though with all the world-building Tameem creates, it does paint a very detailed picture of this futuristic world.
The overall message I think the author was trying to tell us is what people will do when faced with fear-inducing circumstances. There is no better way of creating such an environment is a world thrown into chaos by a pandemic. Like I said in a previous paragraph, Lily is one of the few characters who are willing to risk everything to protect anyone who needs help, even providing some with much needed emotional support. The government and their affiliates prefer to use the fear of the pandemic as a means to control the general population without making active strides to taking care of the people. Instead, they fear for their own power and health while ignoring those who need help. Characters such as Lily and Mabel try not to let fear get in their way of living despite losing everything and everyone they cared about at some point in their lives. Others like Victor want to help others, but fear those in power and risk losing that ability if he doesn't follow their commands. This story tells how fear can be a great motivator to do terrible things, but it also shows how it can bring out the best in people.
I believe Superbugs is a novel that needs to out in these times as it shows people who find strength during these bleak and dark times. There are times where the story became a bit confusing to follow, but the amount of detail makes up for those flaws. I look forward to future stories from this author, and perhaps a sequel if there are plans to do so.
******
Superbugs
View: on Bookshelves
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