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A review by callum_mclaughlin
Stillicide by Cynan Jones
3.0
Set in an unnervingly believable dystopian future, the climate crisis means water is now commodified; the vast armoured trains that transport it around the country often attacked by frustrated, displaced citizens. Though not hugely plot driven, we move between various perspectives, gaining insight into the new normal, and the persistence of love, loss, and the will to survive when it feels like hope is lost.
Initially, I felt this series of linked short stories existed in a frustrating state of flux; each piece neither stand-alone nor connected enough for the book to be entirely certain whether it was indeed a collection of shorts or simply a fragmented novel. We spend such little time with certain characters that it was hard to form an emotional connection to them, but as others begin to recur, disparate viewpoints weave together in a satisfying way that cleverly brings the overarching narrative full circle.
In all, I'd describe this as a book of great ideas peppered with moments of real promise that never quite comes together to capitalise on the power of its potential. That said, Jones’s signature spare yet powerful prose is present throughout, and I was left curious once again to see what he will write next.
Thank you to the publisher for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Initially, I felt this series of linked short stories existed in a frustrating state of flux; each piece neither stand-alone nor connected enough for the book to be entirely certain whether it was indeed a collection of shorts or simply a fragmented novel. We spend such little time with certain characters that it was hard to form an emotional connection to them, but as others begin to recur, disparate viewpoints weave together in a satisfying way that cleverly brings the overarching narrative full circle.
In all, I'd describe this as a book of great ideas peppered with moments of real promise that never quite comes together to capitalise on the power of its potential. That said, Jones’s signature spare yet powerful prose is present throughout, and I was left curious once again to see what he will write next.
Thank you to the publisher for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.