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A review by samdalefox
The Wall by John Lanchester
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
A realistic climate-crisis dystopian novel, a perfect snapshot of t me hisery of where Britain is heading. It focuses of Joseph Kavanagh, a native British citizen and his experiences after 'The Change' in serving as a defender on the wall. We do not get to hear from 'The Others' point of view (climate refugees), and even when Kavanagh does become an other, this of course is experienced differently to 'others' from different backgrounds, see the review excerpt below for analyses.
There were some important themes covered that felt all to believable in the present day (2023):
There were some important themes covered that felt all to believable in the present day (2023):
- “It’s guilt: mass guilt, generational guilt. The olds feel they irretrievably fucked up the world, then allowed us to be born in it. You know what? It’s true. That’s exactly what they did. They know it, we know it. Everybody knows it”
- Classism - The elites, the generational and class differences i.e. who becomes a 'defender', the others, the help (forced labour) etc.
- Acknowledgement that so much about survival as a refugee is about luck.
- Changing allegiances/solidarity to different groups you are part of and feeling of betrayal - from your family, your coutnrymen, your colleagues. All explored in a nuanced way.
- Military mindset (my sister is currently in the British Army, the culture described in the book is spot on, and frankly, depressing.)
The most interesting character for me was the captain and I had quite a few questions about the world after the change. For example,
Review from another member who has a different emphasis, but I also agree with:
"It's a character driven story, so there isn't a huge amount of world building beyond life on the wall, but that is described in bone-chilling detail. A rare visit home highlights the gulf between Joseph's generation and that of his parents - they had it all and their children are paying the price.
It lacked the bite and viscerality of human suffering that would make a compelling story. The deaths are quick, almost bloodless, and the main characters face none of the privitation of a world wracked by drought and famine (apart from at the very end). They live in a controlled world surrounded by giant sea walls that they must serve two years of duty defending. Despite the suggestion of an elite upper class living in luxury as something the main character aspired to, he essentially was living a well provided for life with plentiful food, shelter and friends. The wall amounted to a period of military service.
Minor: Xenophobia, Classism, Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Violence