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A review by krys_kilz
The Past Is Red by Catherynne M. Valente
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book is definitely a modern day, post-apocalyptic Candide. It makes me want to reread it alongside Candide, so I can compare them more thoroughly.
Because the story is somewhat satirical, I did struggle with portions because I often take things literally. Despite that, there is a lot of razor sharp social commentary packed into this novella including musings on the nature of hope, the desire for easy answers and leaders who offer them, the allure of denial in apocalyptic times, and the movement of power and how it corrupts relationships. I thought the foil of Tetley and Goodnight Moon's characters as well as the foil of Garbagetown and the Mars colonies were exquisitely done and not heavy handed. The world building was incredible and I loved the thoughtfulness of each chapter title.
My only major critique would be some of the disdain towards the Fuckwits felt a little universalizing and problematic in some aspects. For example, there were several fatphobic comments comparing fatness to excess and decadence. Also not all humans participated equally in an extractive and destructive relationship with the earth - this erases histories of colonialism, imperialism, and domination of all kinds.
Overall, this is a very clever story and it will stick with me for a long time.
Because the story is somewhat satirical, I did struggle with portions because I often take things literally. Despite that, there is a lot of razor sharp social commentary packed into this novella including musings on the nature of hope, the desire for easy answers and leaders who offer them, the allure of denial in apocalyptic times, and the movement of power and how it corrupts relationships. I thought the foil of Tetley and Goodnight Moon's characters as well as the foil of Garbagetown and the Mars colonies were exquisitely done and not heavy handed. The world building was incredible and I loved the thoughtfulness of each chapter title.
My only major critique would be some of the disdain towards the Fuckwits felt a little universalizing and problematic in some aspects. For example, there were several fatphobic comments comparing fatness to excess and decadence. Also not all humans participated equally in an extractive and destructive relationship with the earth - this erases histories of colonialism, imperialism, and domination of all kinds.
Overall, this is a very clever story and it will stick with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse and Violence
Moderate: Death