Bewilderment by Richard PowersMy rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
I’ve read two other books by Richard Powers and this one is about half the size, if not even smaller. Like the other two, I’m surprised by the book. Sometimes the writing has a way of being a little quirky, perhaps a bit difficult to follow, but that settles after a while into the book.
Bewilderment had that quality as well, with the father Theo describing invented planets to his son Robin, which is written as if it exists, and they are visiting. As Theo is an astrobiologist it makes sense this is one of the nighttime stories told to Robbie. They both are grieving for they lost the third in the family, the mother and wife Alyssa. Robin has been diagnosed “on the spectrum,” has difficulties. Perhaps Robin’s main issue is he is “too sensitive” toward animals, much like his mom.
The species collapse means way too much to Robbie. And as the book progresses it is hard not to ache for him, trying to come to terms with what we all do, going about our day.
There is so much sadness in this tale, and yet joy as well. Robbie is certainly a delight, particularly after the neuro-treatments he starts to undergo. It calms him and he becomes so focused, he becomes smarter. Theo does all he can to keep up with his kid, trying not to make too many mistakes, which sometimes he cannot avoid.
Alyssa is put on a pedestal, being too perfect, which could happen when the person is no longer living. This attempt to have her still present is a constant in the book. There are few aspects that I had a little trouble with, it is a modern-day retelling of Flowers for Algernon. And when you forget about that, Powers brings it back up and reminds you. I could have done without that part. This is one book that will stay with you long after finishing reading.
Thanks to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for an uncorrected electronic advance review copy of this book.
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