Richard Powers had a lot to prove after The Overstory considering that novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. Bewilderment has many of the same themes; conservation in particular. It also deals with how we fit into nature, rising authoritarianism, and the bond between father and son.
It is an emotional ride while touching on theoretical science with science fiction like future tech and passages of possible worlds in other galaxies although this is a field of science that has been widely discussed in books and can be found on some excellent YouTube videos for example.
There is a strong parallel to another book which plays a role in the narrative. There are many callbacks to social, scientific, and cultural events and issues. To some this might seem terribly boring as pointed out in negative reader reviews. To that I would say if you need lots of action and dislike anny introspection this book isn’t for you. If you need a linear plot with no interruptions, despite them being brief, this is not for you. If you expect science fiction this book is not for you.
I would encourage readers to try and expand their reading palette and perhaps some have or will but know what you are getting into.
That said Bewilderment felt like a more terse, more immediate restatement of themes in The Overstory. To me it was a more immediate book even with its occasional (and usual for Powers) forays into science.
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The politics are left leaning. Not radical left or socialist or any of the bs people in a political bubble may complain about. The reasoning has to do with the hollowing out of actual scientists and replacing scientists with political appointments in the 45th president’s administration. If you were a fan of the 45th president you will see the book as unnecessarily political and to a degree I appreciate that position. However, objective reality shows the reasons Powers was alarmed in this mildly dystopian book but reality cannot be debated and not everything need be based on politics.
I would recommend Bewilderment as an introduction to Richard Powers, as an overall good read, and as a device for discussion. In this edition there is a section with discussion questions. Bewilderment is beautifully written and for me packed an emotional wallop even though it was obvious where the story was headed, if anything demonstrating Powers’ skill as a writer.
Lastly, I had an excellent experience with the 3rd party used seller which makes me think saving some money and reusing books no longer wanted would please Powers.
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Sleeve has tears, new book
I bought this book as a gift and the sleeve looks used.Not sure why it says delivery was handed to a person or receptionist. It was on the welcome mat in front of the door outside with no attempt to hide it.
Top reviews from other countries
AncBedran
Cativante e envolvente. As conversas de um pai amoroso com um filho sensível que TODOS gostariam.
Reviewed in Brazil on October 3, 2022
AncBedran
Reviewed in Brazil on October 3, 2022
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