Bewilderment

  3 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.

Comments from BDS Reviewers

"This book is gripping. Robbie especially is a very compelling character."

"This is a heartfelt and heart-breaking story. A 10 out of 10."

"All the characters were very real. Robin, the troubled boy, is truly beautiful."

"I found the astrobiology facts to be fascinating."

"I would love to discuss how the rest of my group reacted to the book."

"I thought it was a very original vehicle for discussing many themes, especially climate change, the consequences of human intervention and violation of the natural environment."

"I was fascinated by the references to the President - clearly Donald Trump, but never named as such."

"There are some very weighty themes. Although an easy enough and quite compelling read, it is not something you can read on a surface level."

Reviews

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.