Unwind by Neil Shusterman
Mr. Shusterman is one of the most diverse authors of Young Adult
literature, having written highly acclaimed novels in the humor,
fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres. Unwind represents his bold foray into the dystopian genre, and he does not disappoint.
The novel takes place in an America a generation from now, but very
recognizable in most ways. However, this America exists in the aftermath
of a second civil war, which was fought to determine when life begins,
and whether abortion of any kind is acceptable. A stalemate resulted in a
horrific compromise where everybody lost. Abortions were disallowed,
but a parent could remand any child under the age of 18 to the state for
unwinding - a process where every part of the child's body is harvested
and donated to those in need of a new organ, a new limb, or even new
hair. The story follows a trio of 'unwinds' who escape the system and
attempt to remain hidden until their respective 18th birthdays. Connor
is a rebellious teen sent for unwinding by his parents because of his
repeated trouble-making. Risa is an orphan whose talents are not
sufficient to save her from unwinding. Most heart-breaking is Lev - a
child raised from birth for the sole purpose of unwinding as an offering
by his parents to God.
The fascination of Shusterman's story is not so much what happens to the
teens on their journey toward freedom, but rather the presentation of a
society that has become the ultimate paradox: one that saves unborn
babies only to sacrifice them as teens; one that forces a child to
become expendable so that others might live fuller and longer lives.
When embarking upon the reading of this novel, I felt that the idea of
such a society and such a terrible compromise was a bit far-fetched. I
still do - perhaps I have too much faith in humanity. However, despite
my feelings, I found myself genuinely aching for the characters as
expendable members of society. More chillingly, I recognized the traits,
thought processes, and behaviors of those defending and participating
in the unwinding process - I have seen those traits and mindsets in
people I know. Far-fetched or not, the novel demonstrated powerfully a
weakness of human nature - our ability to rationalize evil behavior and
accept it as status quo. Recent history shows that entire nations can
adopt this mindset with terrible consequences, such as child slavery,
female suppression, and genocide.
The most powerful scene of the novel is when the author takes us into
the secret unwinding room, and follows the unwinding of a character we
have come to know. Because the victim is forced to be awake for the
entire procedure, the reader experiences the physical and emotional
horror of unwinding through the thoughts and senses of the character.
That scene alone sets this novel apart from any other I have read. I
highly recommend this novel to anyone willing to face questions of deep
moral ambiguity. I guarantee that you will think about this one long
after reading the final page.
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