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A review by beckyjc
The Employees: A Workplace Novel of the 22nd Century by Olga Ravn
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This was one of a few on the international Booker shortlist that I bought recently. It's very short so can be read in one or two sittings.
It's structured as a series of witness statements taken from both human and humanoid employees (tellingly, you can't always determine which is which) of an organisation working on a ship in deep space, as a series of unplanned events take place - perhaps caused by strange unidentified objects discovered on an alien planet.
I found the sterile and dehumanising lens of workplace productivity and employee performance both interesting and disturbing - it feels very late-stage disaster capitalism! The statements show how work does not give ultimate purpose to the employees, as many wrestle with their changing emotions and mental disturbances - even the humanoids - and struggle to maintain focus and satisfaction. The narrative, stripped of any character names or context - save that alluded to in their testimonies - is detached which adds to the mysterious tone. In stark contrast to this are the mentions of very earthly and embodied experiences, like the smell of the air, soil, and plant-life, or the touch of a loved one. These are nostalgic in tone and quite affecting in an age of climate crisis.
What are the objects? Why do they elicit such powerful reactions in the crew? What is the 'programme' they are fulfilling? What makes someone 'human'? How do we find or build community? How do we think of death? What should the role of work be in our lives? This book asks these questions and leaves the reader to answer them.
If you're a fan of smart sci-fi fiction, I would suggest reading this short, thoughtful novel, which manages to pack a lot into a small space.
It's structured as a series of witness statements taken from both human and humanoid employees (tellingly, you can't always determine which is which) of an organisation working on a ship in deep space, as a series of unplanned events take place - perhaps caused by strange unidentified objects discovered on an alien planet.
I found the sterile and dehumanising lens of workplace productivity and employee performance both interesting and disturbing - it feels very late-stage disaster capitalism! The statements show how work does not give ultimate purpose to the employees, as many wrestle with their changing emotions and mental disturbances - even the humanoids - and struggle to maintain focus and satisfaction. The narrative, stripped of any character names or context - save that alluded to in their testimonies - is detached which adds to the mysterious tone. In stark contrast to this are the mentions of very earthly and embodied experiences, like the smell of the air, soil, and plant-life, or the touch of a loved one. These are nostalgic in tone and quite affecting in an age of climate crisis.
What are the objects? Why do they elicit such powerful reactions in the crew? What is the 'programme' they are fulfilling? What makes someone 'human'? How do we find or build community? How do we think of death? What should the role of work be in our lives? This book asks these questions and leaves the reader to answer them.
If you're a fan of smart sci-fi fiction, I would suggest reading this short, thoughtful novel, which manages to pack a lot into a small space.
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement and Death