Genesis (2006) is a philosophical science fiction novel by New Zealand author Bernard Beckett. It won the 2007 Esther Glen Award for children's literature, and the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. As of 2008 it has been published in 22 countries. Genesis looks at questions such as the origins of life (hence Genesis), ideas about human consciousness, and the nature of a soul which separates humans from other animals or machines.Genesis also has been nominated for the 2018 Inaugural Daniel Lim award for best philosophical novel.
Un excellent roman de science-fiction, dont j'ai découvert après l'avoir lu qu'il s'adressait plutôt à de jeunes lecteurs puisqu'il est classé ici majoritairement dans la catégorie Young Adult. Je trouve que ce roman s'adresse autant à des lecteurs plus âgés, son thème est universel et le récit est passionnant. Ma très bonne surprise de la fin d'année.
I know I've said this before, so forgive me if I keep repeating myself, but I love book discussion books because it gives me a chance to read books that I wouldn't pick for myself. I don't normally read dystopian fiction (which is a misnomer in this case anyway) so I'm relieved that someone picked it for me or I would have missed this book altogether.
"Genesis" is not so much a novel as it is a philosophical exercise. The writing is excellent and the author really makes you think about what makes us human?...what is consciousness?...what is the soul? I don't want to give too much away because I know other members haven't read it, but I would definitely recommend it for a book club because this topic will generate a lot of discussion.
Genesis surprised me. I was expecting a teen novel about a future society and what I got instead was a well written philosophical debate about what it is to be alive.
The story unfolds through Anax who is attending an exam for entry into The Academy. The examiners ask her questions and through her answers the history of their world comes to light. The story of Adam and Art, told through Anax is both interesting and enlightening. As is the story's conclusion.
In some ways the novel was predictable, but in others it was completely unexpected. The story is very philosophical, from character names to details of the events. I'm loathe to say it, but it felt almost like you needed some kind of pre-knowledge of philosophy to understand some elements. But that isn't to say it wasn't compelling anyway.
I think if anything the novel makes you think about …
Genesis surprised me. I was expecting a teen novel about a future society and what I got instead was a well written philosophical debate about what it is to be alive.
The story unfolds through Anax who is attending an exam for entry into The Academy. The examiners ask her questions and through her answers the history of their world comes to light. The story of Adam and Art, told through Anax is both interesting and enlightening. As is the story's conclusion.
In some ways the novel was predictable, but in others it was completely unexpected. The story is very philosophical, from character names to details of the events. I'm loathe to say it, but it felt almost like you needed some kind of pre-knowledge of philosophy to understand some elements. But that isn't to say it wasn't compelling anyway.
I think if anything the novel makes you think about how history is written and taught (and manipulated). And it encourages you to think and question, even if that thinking doesn't always work to your benefit.
