On Bewilderment

I was really excited to read this book, it seemed so interesting to me. In many ways, the book is a retelling of Flowers for Algernon in a 21st century context. I was enamored by the first third of the book, the sense of wonder experienced by Robbie there was so lifelike that I could almost feel it. However, the book soon becomes something much more mundane, with TED Talks, criticism of the past US President, visits to the US capital, and coming to terms with climate change.

Powers’s book is at its best when dealing with climate change and is at its worst when dealing with questions of scientific funding and politics. This isn’t to say Powers is wrong—he’s not—but I don’t see him succeeding in convincing anyone who isn’t already on his side.