Friday, March 18, 2022

Science Fiction: How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

Stories that take place in a dystopian or uncertain future have been popular for quite some time. With the world the way it is currently, it was only a matter of time before even more plots involving a deadly virus appeared. How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu combines a deadly pandemic and the effects of climate change to paint a grim future that is also full of possibilities.

The Situation: In a not-so-distant future, Cliff, a grieving archeologist, takes a trip to the Arctic Circle. The journey will serve two purposes: Not only will he get to visit the site where his daughter died, but he also has the opportunity to continue her work. The team made a recent discovery in the melting permafrost, one the Cliff already knows could be potentially dangerous. The preserved remains of a young girl have been found, but when she is unearthed, so is the virus that killed her. When one crew member gets sick, it is no big deal. When another one gets sick, the team is concerned. Cliff must acknowledge what has been at the back of his mind since he arrived at the site, knowing the world now has a new issue to face.

The Problem: Over the next few years, this new virus makes its way across the globe, killing millions, and changing the way we live. At first, only children are affected, and in one city, a theme park is erected for the terminally ill, though the biggest attraction has a grim purpose. Funeral homes and mortuaries must change the way they operate, if only because there is now an incredible amount of bodies to bury and cremate. Death and grief are now big business as demand outpaces supply, but unemployment continues to climb as those who entered the workforce as the virus took hold are left somewhat adrift. The pandemic and its effects linger for decades, and humanity is drastically altered. As the earth itself begins to change as well, plans are made to find a home beyond our planet, though even that plan has its complications. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a science fiction novel that is set in various locations around the world, beginning around the year 2030 and continuing into 2105. During that time, a virus that had previously been frozen in the Arctic Circle slowly infects human beings around the world. The virus often leaves its victims in a coma, but that is after it transforms the body's organs into resembling each other. Lungs suddenly have brain tissue; the liver takes the form of a heart. Organ transplants can buy some time, but demand is high. The novel closely resembles a collection of short stories, as each chapter focuses on a different character, in a different location, at a different time. But each one is connected, with many characters appearing in other chapters. The virus, along with climate change, pushes humanity to achieve the impossible, if only because they have no other choice.

My Verdict: I was somewhat wary of picking up a book that focuses on the effects of a pandemic...particularly one that would take place less than a decade from now. But what I found is that the choice of telling the story through loosely connected chapters and characters worked out well. It allowed for big jumps in time, and lets the reader see how different geographic regions are effected. Also, as someone with a terrible memory, being able to see the name of a character and remember their story from four or five chapters ago feels like the author is allowing the reader to check in with an old friend. This can provide necessary closure, and makes the overall story much richer. Some may feel like details are missed or questions are left unanswered, which I certainly understand, but it is worth it to stick with this one to the end. 

Favorite Moment: *spoiler alert* After some have left on a spaceship to find a home beyond Earth, they receive news that humanity was able to cure the virus and move forward.

Favorite Character: Snortorious P.I.G. is a pig in a research lab that developed the ability to speak. Of course, this comes with serious issues, but for the most part, Snortorious is a pleasure to work with. Just his name alone makes me smile.

Recommended Reading: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel also explores a world where a deadly virus has wiped out most of humanity. 

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