Review of 2084
1 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "2084" by Kadon Landon Peterson.]
2089 by Kadon Landon Peterson introduces a world in the very near future created by revolution, resource depletion, and war. In this world, the government controls every inch and aspect of the population, even down to reproduction. The government has discovered a way to end aggression, hostility, and freedom of individuality. Every decade, a new version of a humanoid robot called a Model is released, and “natural-born” humans are looked down upon. Dune is natural-born, and, like all natural-born humans, he is pejoratively referred to as a Nat. On the outside, he lives a quiet life and works a quiet maintenance job in service to the government. However, most of the people who regularly interact with Dune don’t seem to realize that his father helped to create the new world and its systems of power. Somehow, Dune seems to effortlessly fit in with the organization trying to tear down the world his father helped build, while the world created by his father treats him with hostility.
This story produces interesting theories and showcases the moral ambiguity of the protagonist. Dune mentions at one point that humanity possesses an innate willingness to be a slave for the greater good and the power associated with the majority. He is willing to commit atrocities while maintaining his personal code of ethics. The story is told in first-person narration, giving the reader access to scathingly sarcastic internal monologue. Witty banter is interspersed with shocking insight. For example, during an argument, Dune points out that “there is no right thing, just justification for the wrong thing” (pg. 89). The post-apocalyptic setting is well developed, as well as the roles of the government and anti-government sympathizers. Dune is heavily philosophical in his thorough train of existential thought regarding language, understanding, and the differences between humanity and artificial intelligence. He raises questions about creation, consciousness, and man’s need to create a god. Who is allowed to determine these things? “To fear such conversations was to fear conversion, and to fear conversion was to die ignorant” (pg. 46).
The only negative aspect is the need to quickly grasp the concepts presented in the new world or risk a lack of understanding as nuance determines every aspect of the protagonist’s interactions with the people around him.
I am rating this story 5 out of 5 stars. This book was exceptionally well edited. The storyline and dystopian setting were well-formed, and the characters were expertly developed.
I was warned when reading the summary that Dune is likely to get inside the reader’s head. I didn’t properly heed that warning. After reading and agreeing with most of Dune’s insights and values, if not necessarily his actions, does that mean I also condone his relationship with his genetically altered fox / pet / human turned lover? Hopefully not. At any rate, this story is for deep thinking and deep diving into the darkest possibilities for the future of humanity, told with humor and imagination.
******
2084
View: on Bookshelves |
2089 by Kadon Landon Peterson introduces a world in the very near future created by revolution, resource depletion, and war. In this world, the government controls every inch and aspect of the population, even down to reproduction. The government has discovered a way to end aggression, hostility, and freedom of individuality. Every decade, a new version of a humanoid robot called a Model is released, and “natural-born” humans are looked down upon. Dune is natural-born, and, like all natural-born humans, he is pejoratively referred to as a Nat. On the outside, he lives a quiet life and works a quiet maintenance job in service to the government. However, most of the people who regularly interact with Dune don’t seem to realize that his father helped to create the new world and its systems of power. Somehow, Dune seems to effortlessly fit in with the organization trying to tear down the world his father helped build, while the world created by his father treats him with hostility.
This story produces interesting theories and showcases the moral ambiguity of the protagonist. Dune mentions at one point that humanity possesses an innate willingness to be a slave for the greater good and the power associated with the majority. He is willing to commit atrocities while maintaining his personal code of ethics. The story is told in first-person narration, giving the reader access to scathingly sarcastic internal monologue. Witty banter is interspersed with shocking insight. For example, during an argument, Dune points out that “there is no right thing, just justification for the wrong thing” (pg. 89). The post-apocalyptic setting is well developed, as well as the roles of the government and anti-government sympathizers. Dune is heavily philosophical in his thorough train of existential thought regarding language, understanding, and the differences between humanity and artificial intelligence. He raises questions about creation, consciousness, and man’s need to create a god. Who is allowed to determine these things? “To fear such conversations was to fear conversion, and to fear conversion was to die ignorant” (pg. 46).
The only negative aspect is the need to quickly grasp the concepts presented in the new world or risk a lack of understanding as nuance determines every aspect of the protagonist’s interactions with the people around him.
I am rating this story 5 out of 5 stars. This book was exceptionally well edited. The storyline and dystopian setting were well-formed, and the characters were expertly developed.
I was warned when reading the summary that Dune is likely to get inside the reader’s head. I didn’t properly heed that warning. After reading and agreeing with most of Dune’s insights and values, if not necessarily his actions, does that mean I also condone his relationship with his genetically altered fox / pet / human turned lover? Hopefully not. At any rate, this story is for deep thinking and deep diving into the darkest possibilities for the future of humanity, told with humor and imagination.
******
2084
View: on Bookshelves |
You are not logged in. Please log in or sign up to view members replies, participate in the discussion, and access more features.
