Helpful Score: 1
This was a beautifully written (and translated) story told from the perspective of a woman raised in captivity on a mysterious, possibly alien world.
I enjoyed this book and felt empathy for the characters. It is not your standard dystopian SFF novel as much as it's an allegorical exploration of life and the concept of time through the eyes of this 'untouched' being. Raised in a hellish wire monkey-type situation from an early developmental stage, the unnamed main character has been left with an emotional detachment, she is an observer of human behavior that she can not quite comprehend. Unlike her fellow captives she has no memories of another, fuller life to reference. Her time alone, her internal dialogue, are the more interesting parts of the book.
I've only one qualm. Beyond the mystery inherent in her situation there moments of vagueness. While no doubt intentional I think certain elements could have used more development. Still, it's a worthy and unique perspective in a well traveled (these days!) genre. I'll be on the look out for more translations of Harpman's work.
I enjoyed this book and felt empathy for the characters. It is not your standard dystopian SFF novel as much as it's an allegorical exploration of life and the concept of time through the eyes of this 'untouched' being. Raised in a hellish wire monkey-type situation from an early developmental stage, the unnamed main character has been left with an emotional detachment, she is an observer of human behavior that she can not quite comprehend. Unlike her fellow captives she has no memories of another, fuller life to reference. Her time alone, her internal dialogue, are the more interesting parts of the book.
I've only one qualm. Beyond the mystery inherent in her situation there moments of vagueness. While no doubt intentional I think certain elements could have used more development. Still, it's a worthy and unique perspective in a well traveled (these days!) genre. I'll be on the look out for more translations of Harpman's work.
I can't believe no one talks about this book. She writes the absurd as well as Kafka or Camus, but with a human element. I don't know that I would call it science fiction, but there are elements of existentialism throughout the book, which is a weighty read but amazing.
