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Bewilderment

Powers, Richard

  11 Reviews

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.

Pages
278
Year
2021

Reviews

PICT 001
21-06-2024
Thought provoking, most of the group enjoyed it. Very different to anything we've read before. Very well-written.
TAUM 003
29-05-2024
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.
AUCK 038
03-05-2024
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.
WANG 004
14-03-2024
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...
BREAM 002
23-01-2024
A very original story. A good read, we all enjoyed it.
WELL 060
16-10-2023
Very unusual book, and the content was quite disturbing.
KATIK 004
12-09-2023
Enjoyed by most.
WARK 007
30-03-2023
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.
DUNED 009
14-03-2023
We all found it interesting and the subject very timely. Thank you, B.D.S!
CHCH 544
23-01-2023
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.
NAP 030
01-12-2022
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.