Take a photo of a barcode or cover
rbharath 's review for:
You Have Arrived at Your Destination
by Amor Towles
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I read ‘Summer Frost’ by Blake Crouch in the ‘Forward Collection’ last year and liked it. This one was very promising when it started.
Sam is on the expressway, headed to Vitek, a modern fertility lab. He and his wife Annie decide to go in for IVF. Annie has already done a lot of the research and background work. Sam meets with Mr Owens (HT) at Vitek. During the discussion, Sam realizes that what Vitek offers is far more advanced than what he had assumed would be the case. He is explained that Vitek pursues ‘genetic nudging’ which influences the offspring’s life in profound ways. This is based on the genetic map and Vitek’s research based on a huge database of peoples’ attributes and behaviours. Sam is shown three simulations of how his son Daniel’s life could shape up. This leaves Sam stunned and introspective.
The premise is fantastic and can lend itself very well to a longer story as well. That said, the ending was a damp squib for me, among the poorest finishes of a story I have come across this year. I look forward to reading other stories in the ‘Forward Collection’ shortly.