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Book Review of Bewilderment

Bewilderment
Bewilderment
Author: Richard Powers
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 1451 more book reviews


Theo is a widower coping with a nine-year-old with behavioural problems. He is an an astrobiologist who creates models of planets where life may be. Repeated violent bursts prompt Robin's school to give Theo an ultimatum. Begin psychoactive drugs or be expelled. However, Theo opts to try experimental neurofeedback.

Between them they create worlds where life may exist, describing that life as they 'see' it. Yet Robin develops an empathic connection to the world in which he lives. He is consumed about growing on earth and is deeply worried about man's effects. All life is affected by climate change. Linked with these concerns is the grief both feel about the loss of Aly, his mother and Theo's wife.

The question that plaguied me mind was how a parent can help a child cope with a changing world in which so many deny climate change. Set against a background of losing someone who was deeply loved, the problems loom large in this novel. This is a read that stimulates much thought about climate and what individuals may do to improve our lovely planet.