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A review by diddy_shovel
The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A challenging read, but in a good way, and so well written too. What was so interesting to me was that pretty much all the characters were so flawed, and many were even unlikeable, yet they were so gripping at the same time. The exploration of Bea and Agnes's relationship was particularly well done - obviously, due to the setting, theirs isn't a typically mother-daughter dynamic, but the challenges they faced as Agnes matured felt so similar to what happens within most families. Agnes only wants to be independent but at the same time desires the love of her mother; it is hard to see that this is so often challenged and blocked rather than nurtured by the others. On the other hand, Bea has so many difficult choices to make about her family and it is villified by Agnes who can never understand how selfless and caring her mother is.
I really appreciated Glen's presence: although he wasn't without his flaws, he was a good moral compass and slice of humanity within the story as the rest of the group descended into a primal state. It was also refreshing to have someone to genuinely sympathise with, particularly as I developed almost a hatred for many of the characters (Carl, the Rangers, the Newcomers, and - in many ways - Bea and Agnes). I also loved the exploration of "evolution" and what is/n't natural, particularly with the arrival of the Newcomers and the perceptions they brought. Though the study aimed to cultivate a more natural lifestyle, the extent to which it was managed meant you realised very quickly this was impossible: it was fascinating to see the consequences of this unfold.
There were very few things I that would have made the story better. As is often the case with dystopian novels I read, I often craved more world-building and an exploration of the "bigger picture" of the Wilderness State and the City. Though the ending was rushed, the final events of the book were also rushed and filled with urgency, so it was fitting; however, I did wish for better closure of the story. Overall though, this was such a gripping read and hit so many strong notes for me. While so many stories explore how people change nature, it was so refreshing to explore how nature impacts the human condition and what it means to thrive.
I really appreciated Glen's presence: although he wasn't without his flaws, he was a good moral compass and slice of humanity within the story as the rest of the group descended into a primal state. It was also refreshing to have someone to genuinely sympathise with, particularly as I developed almost a hatred for many of the characters (Carl, the Rangers, the Newcomers, and - in many ways - Bea and Agnes). I also loved the exploration of "evolution" and what is/n't natural, particularly with the arrival of the Newcomers and the perceptions they brought. Though the study aimed to cultivate a more natural lifestyle, the extent to which it was managed meant you realised very quickly this was impossible: it was fascinating to see the consequences of this unfold.
There were very few things I that would have made the story better. As is often the case with dystopian novels I read, I often craved more world-building and an exploration of the "bigger picture" of the Wilderness State and the City. Though the ending was rushed, the final events of the book were also rushed and filled with urgency, so it was fitting; however, I did wish for better closure of the story. Overall though, this was such a gripping read and hit so many strong notes for me. While so many stories explore how people change nature, it was so refreshing to explore how nature impacts the human condition and what it means to thrive.