Science Fiction: The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker

I added The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker to my to-read list back in early January of this year, so it has been long enough for my brain to be hazy on my reasons why. Most likely it had something to do with my ever-present search for accessible science fiction. Whatever it was, here we are, and the premise of a strange virus causing its victims to sleep a deep sleep is certainly interesting.

The Situation: It is the early weeks of Mei's first semester in college, and already she knows she does not fit in. Her roommate Kara is always going out to parties, hanging out with friends, doing all of the things that college girls are 'supposed' to do. Somehow she easily and seamlessly slid into dorm and college life, while Mei remains alone, both noticed and unnoticed. After another usual night of partying, Kara comes back to the dorm and crashes on her bed. When she does not get up the next morning, Mei thinks nothing of it. Why would she? Kara does this all of the time. But then it is hours later, and Kara still is not awake, and Mei cannot wake her. When she is wheeled away to the hospital, she is still alive, only for death to find her when the doctors are not paying attention. The doctors are ready to label this an isolated case of some strange and unknown illness, until another girl goes to sleep and cannot wake up.

The Problem: Slowly and steadily, the Santa Lora Virus, named after the small Southern California town where it has originated, creeps through the city, causing all of its victims to go under a deep sleep. Those that are not found in time usually die of dehydration. But the ones that are found, usually by loved ones or concerned neighbors, are quickly taken to the hospital, while there is still room at the hospital. Unfortunately, this new threat is highly contagious, so when it reaches outside of the walls of Mei's college dorm, and then beyond the hospital, the entire town of Santa Lora is placed under quarantine. While everything about this situation is beyond scary, what surprises and intrigues medical experts is that the victims are not only asleep, but they appear to be dreaming, and their brains are incredibly active. Some even sleepwalk and need to be strapped to their beds. Normal life in Santa Lora has ground to a halt, and experts must find a cure for this thing before it spreads outside of the city.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction book set in the small fictional town of Santa Lora, California. At first, the book centers on Mei, a lonely and socially awkward college student who is struggling to make friends and find her place in dorm life. It is Mei's roommate Kara who is the first victim of the virus, but it soon spreads throughout the dorm, and then into the city. As with any outbreak of a new disease, panic sets in for most, and outright paranoia for others. The narration moves away from Mei and also explores the experiences of a single survivalist father with two young daughters; a young couple with a history of martial strife, and their newborn baby; a single mother who flew into Santa Lora as a medical specialist and becomes trapped behind the barricades of the quarantine; and a biology professor who regularly explores the woods of the city, while hoping that his partner's mind one day clears up and remembers. Some help, while others remain helpless, while still others can only be scared, all hoping that there is a stop to this thing before it overtakes everyone, and continues beyond the city.

My Verdict: This is a fascinating premise with terrifying implications. Of course, the world is no stranger to quickly spreading infectious diseases. There is always a wide range of reactions, with everything from paranoia to skepticism, and Walker attempts to explore some of them. Unfortunately, I feel that she falls a bit short. What has happened in Santa Lora has the potential to go in so many directions, and while it was smart to pick a few of the town's citizens to focus on, somehow none of their stories feel complete. The mysterious virus also leaves a lot to be desired, even near the end of the book when some answers are provided, along with a little hope for the future. I also had an issue with the general pacing of the novel, as well as how the narrative switches between characters, allowing intense focus on some, while others are cast aside, seemingly for convenience. In short, this book had a lot of potential, and I wish there was slightly more follow-through.

Favorite Moment: When Sara and Libby, two young girls who have been left to fend for themselves, manage to get help for a young father and his daughter without being discovered.

Favorite Character: Sara is only 13, but she is somehow able to keep herself together enough to also take care of her sister, and keep them both from being discovered by authorities. Even after their father falls asleep and is taken away, causing their house to be marked as infected, Sara taps into the survivalist skills she has learned and keeps the two girls, as well as five cats and two dogs, alive and well. 

Recommended Reading: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel also follows the destructive path of an infectious disease, but this one is much more deadly, and effects humanity on a global scale, with effects that reach far into the future.