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Liked It “A science fiction novel set in the future that portrays the world as a dystopia. Only one island with some sense of humanity remains. The book follows a young girl's attempt to enter the island's exclusive "Academy" and describes her oral exam. Great surprise ending to a suspenseful short story.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A futuristic novel with a philosophical twist. A dialog between and antroid and a human being takes up the bulk of the novel. The topic of discussion is "What does it mean to be human?". A student of even further future has researched this event and interprets it before a board of superiors. The world of the student is rigid and sterile...does she find agreement in her conclusions or does she find confusion and fear?”
Marcia S wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“A science fiction novel set in the future that portrays the world as a dystopia. Only one island with some sense of humanity remains. The book follows a young girl's attempt to enter the island's exclusive "Academy" and describes her oral exam. Great surprise ending to a suspenseful short story.”
ivana n wrote this review Monday, November 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Interesting read, knew what was coming at the end but it didnt spoil the book. 3 1/2 stars.”
Deyara wrote this review Saturday, October 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Awesome story. Based in Aotearoa! Must read.”
Asher Kora wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was an intriguing book, and another one that I think fits into sci-fi for those who don't normally read sci-fi. It's also got a generous dollop of philosophy, which I think almost all great sci-fi has, and is about the only way I want to read anything that has to do with philosophy.
Bonnie S wrote this review Sunday, September 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Genesis is the story of Anaximander's entrace exam for The Academy. It is a four-hour exam in which she with be questioned by three examiners on the subject of her choice. Anax's speciality is a man called Adam Forde, who we know is connected with the creation of Anax's society, but other than that, we learn about him and this new society as the Anax answers questions. We also discover what came of our current world, how The Republic was created, and how Adam challenged society and changed it. Of course, things are not what they seem and Anax has a tenuous connection to Adam of which she is not aware. The idea of humanity, of thoughts, ideas, and feelings, are called into question throughout the test, and the reader is often exposed to layers of story all at once, from Adam's perspective to Anax's interactions with the examiners to her private thoughts and fears.
I spent the majority of the story wondering what the swerve would be, and enjoyed it when it was revealed. Even flipping back through the book, there are wonderful clues and hints at how the exam and Adam's story will end. However, I think this story ends up being more about the philosophy than about science fiction. Anax's story's ending is good but felt just a bit predictable. Adam's story felt like the strong point of the book, and I think the connection, particularly between Anax and Adam could've used some more development, since the reveal comes so quickly.
Overall, an interesting book that creates interesting discussion points and would make for a few good reads. It's a fast-paced story and a compelling story-telling technique.”
“ Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com
TeensReadToo.com wrote this review Wednesday, August 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Anax wants to become a member of The Academy. In order to be admitted, she must endure a four-hour interview in front of a three member panel. Anax has been working with a tutor in order to prepare herself.
It is through this interview that the reader learns the history of the world after a devastating plague killed most of the people on the planet. Safe behind the Great Sea Fence, her people keep their island safe by shooting any plane or boat that comes within sight.
The society is based on rigid rules: men and women living separately, parentage being kept from children, and at one year of age children are tested to determine what class they will be placed in based on their genomic reading (Laborers, Soldiers, Technicians, or Philosophers).
History is not what it seems.
Anax learns more about her world during the interview than she did during all her days of preparation. She realizes The Academy isn't what it appears to be, but is it too late to change her current path?
GENESIS is a fast-paced story. It is interesting to read about the post-apocalyptic world Anax lives in. Bernard Beckett does a great job of building the story without revealing too much too soon. The ending will leave you stunned.”
“Anax lives in the future. After the great plague that wipes out most of humanity and after the great war. This is a tale about the future of humanity as presented by Anax during her 4 hour history exam.
Juju wrote this review Wednesday, August 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This narrative reminds me of how I felt after watching Fight Club (1999). While I could not stop, the twist in the end that left me feeling oddly disturbed and slightly confounded.
For my full review please visit: http://talesofwhimsy.blogspot.com/2009/08/genesis.html”
“My only criticism would be, I wished it was longer. It seems like he just dashed this off as an overview of the subject. I really enjoyed the ideas, and wished he had taken a LOT more time to expand the details on the societies he created.
zen wrote this review Wednesday, July 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I did have a problem with a couple of the arguments he presented in favor of AI, especially the "Chinese Room Problem," (seems like he just dropped that one when the going got tough!) but overall, an excellent, thought-provoking book.”
“Really interesting and fact read. Sad ending, but really good. The end definitely pulls the rug out from under you. ”
Steph B wrote this review Wednesday, July 29 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
