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Title:
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Bewilderment |
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Authors:
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Powers, Richard |
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Genre:
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Fiction |
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Pages:
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278 |
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Year:
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2021 |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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Astrobiologist Theo Byrne has a demanding day job simulating possible life on other planets, but the biggest challenge he faces is raising his young neurodiverse son alone, after his wife dies. Robin, aged nine, is a troubled youngster intensely focused on the state of the environment and is unable to understand why no one is doing anything about it.
From the joy and wonder of the natural world and society's failure to protect it, to the experimental neurological therapy Robin undergoes, this is a wholly original and thought-provoking story distinguished by its beautiful relationship between a father and his son, and the more urgent question of the future of the planet.
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Categories:
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Fiction, Community, Environmental, Grief/loss, Medical/Health, Relationships, Science & Technology, Social commentary/perspectives, America, 2023 Titles |
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By: WHANG 029
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2025-06-23 12:23:29 |
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Very sad, but everyone enjoyed it. |
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By: NELS 048
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2025-05-27 10:16:19 |
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Excellent discussion on a topical book, thanks. |
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By: PICT 005
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2025-05-18 14:03:49 |
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Some members of the group were impressed by this book, but views were divided. There was some critique of the science. Politically it was seen as prescient. |
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By: QUEEN 015
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2025-03-24 14:41:46 |
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Mixed reactions, with some of the group not finishing. Great writing style and easy to read although big ideas. |
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By: AUCK 150
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2025-03-06 09:59:55 |
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Opened up a really good discussion. |
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By: WHITIAN 003
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2025-01-16 14:36:16 |
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A very moving, extraordinary story of the bond between a father and his autistic son. Well-written, the characters come alive off the page as the couple struggle with memories of the wife and mother who, although she has died, is very much a part of their lives. A 'must read' for any parent or friend of an autistic child. |
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By: TAIH 002
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2024-12-05 09:54:43 |
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Several of our members felt this was one of the best books they had read - others didn't finish reading it, but it did create a lot of discussion over a wide range of topics! We were surprised! |
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By: FEILD 004
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2024-11-18 10:09:07 |
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Most of us found it hard to get into. A reasonable discussion was generated by those who had read it. |
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By: PICT 001
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2024-06-20 10:30:18 |
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Thought provoking, most of the group enjoyed it. Very different to anything we've read before. Very well-written. |
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By: TAUM 003
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2024-05-29 11:49:16 |
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An amazing book - required reading for anyone caring for ADHD/autistic people or for anyone concerned about where the world is heading. Endless discussion material concerning the environment, the corporate world, USA and world politics. Full of laser focused observations and pithy one liners. Highly recommended. |
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By: AUCK 038
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2024-05-02 13:17:49 |
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Promoted a lot of discussion, some got bored with the endless description of planets. One member totally loved it - the neurodiversity, science, alternative worlds, the emotion of parenting and the ecological storm that is happening. She didn't like the ending but in the end decided not only did it make sense, it was a good ending. All in all a worthwhile read. |
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By: WANG 004
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2024-03-13 14:42:18 |
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The group found the book challenging. Some members found the parts about the computer generated planets uninteresting, while others were captivated by the complicated information it was generating. It was certainly a book of our times which sparked a lively discussion... |
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By: BREAM 002
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2024-01-23 11:23:43 |
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A very original story. A good read, we all enjoyed it. |
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By: WELL 060
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2023-10-16 11:25:13 |
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Very unusual book, and the content was quite disturbing. |
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By: KATIK 004
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2023-09-11 12:54:08 |
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Enjoyed by most. |
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By: WARK 007
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2023-03-30 10:27:24 |
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Opinions polarised. Some bewilderment re the behavioural therapy. Most didn't like the ending. Glimmers of hope but overall a negative outcome. The focus on the environment is good and interesting. Relevant themes. |
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By: DUNED 009
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2023-03-13 11:22:38 |
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We all found it interesting and the subject very timely. Thank you, B.D.S! |
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By: CHCH 544
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2023-01-23 16:18:08 |
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Although people found this book hard initially to "get into", everybody, but 1/9 enjoyed reading the book and were glad they persevered. The book stimulated a lot of self-reflection and reflection about different topics during and after reading the book. Some members found the alternating topics of chapters difficult and the descriptions of the planets at times hard to understand and relate to. But all in all a book the group would recommend. |
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By: NAP 030
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2022-12-01 13:28:06 |
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Very mixed response. Most found the book depressing and very difficult to read. Two people did not get past the first few pages. But two of us thought it was absolutely brilliant - a very insightful and beautifully written exploration of the ways in which today's children are having to cope with the social and natural environment. |
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