This type of book is so far out of my usual genre that I was at first hesitant to read it. I am a long-time science fiction fan, however, and thought it would be interesting for a change of pace from what I have been reading lately.
I will say that it took me a bit to get into the story, but I’m glad that I stuck with it because not only was it good sci fi, it also produced an interesting commentary on humanity and how we all see each other.
(I think the slow start for me was due to the scientific nature of the descriptions. While they weren’t particularly technical, there was a lot of detail that I didn’t totally understand. That being said, it was written in an approachable way, so I was able to slog through those parts).
Jeremiah works for a company that has produced a drug called Meld that essentially allows for entrance into people’s minds. This same company has “perfected” cloning. In short, Jeremiah is chosen (volunteers?) to be the subject of a new experiment.
He will be cloned…exactly…and the clone will be implanted with all of Jeremiah’s memories through the use of Meld. Jeremiah will then be able to view the clone 4 hours a day while being analyzed by various scientist. The hope is that the clone will be able to easily slide seamlessly into Jeremiah’s life without anyone noticing the difference.
Right away I got a feeling of foreboding because the premise addresses a basic fear that many people carry: how do people really see me? Do they recognize me as me? Do they know me well enough to realize if they’re talking to someone other than me?
Do we ever really know each other?
All of these questions kept going through my head as I read through Jeremiah’s viewing sessions. It was fascinating to see his change in perspective as he pondered the same questions while realizing that he was guilty of the same things that he was getting upset at other people about.
One moment in particular, regarding an office mate who planned all of the office celebrations, was especially poignant. I think it hit me because I’m usually that person – making sure that others are recognized.
But do people ever think to recognize the organizer? Or do they remain invisible and taken for granted. I think this is the turning point for Jeremiah.
There are some subplots about military interest in the project and the fate of people who may or may not recognize that Jeremiah has “changed” but honestly, they didn’t play a huge part for me. They seemed more there for plot twists than for actually moving the plot along. I also thought the ending seemed a bit rushed.
Regardless, I thought the author really did a good job of using cloning as a mechanism for a human to take stock of what matters in life while ultimately realizing the importance of recognizing – and truly seeing – the humanity in each of us.
Instagram: imadj123
About the Author:
Jane Gilmartin has been a news reporter and editor for several small-town weekly papers and enjoyed a brief but exciting stint as a rock music journalist. A bucket list review just before she turned 50 set her on the path to fiction writing. Also checked off that list: an accidental singing career, attending a Star Trek convention, and getting a hug from David Bowie. She lives in her hometown of Hingham, Massachusetts.
