Weird and wonderful literary sci-fi

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cathyann Avatar

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Beneath the World, a Sea has mixed reviews, but I really loved this book. It was dark, philosophical, and set in a rich and unusual world so close and yet so disconnected from the one we (and most of the characters) know.

The book is set in the Submundo Delta, a recently discovered and mysterious place near South America which can only be accessed by river boat. The Delta is surrounded by the Zona de Olvido, or the Zone of Forgetfulness, an area where no one can remember anything that has happened during their time there. Ben, a successful policeman, has been employed to investigate the killing of Duendes - disturbing humanoid creatures who have a profound effect on people, bringing their inner most fears and desires to consciousness whenever they are near.

The book contains some interesting theological and moral debates. It is in part about humanity, how what makes an individual themselves is their memories, and also how the external identity of a person is shaped by responsibility and concern about how they appear to others. The book deals with identity, authenticity, and opening up to the hidden aspects of personality, which can be terrifying.

All of this is done in such an engaging and readable way. The concept is brilliant, and the whole book was a great read. The characters ask some very deep questions about society, science, and purpose. I liked how it cycles between a few relevant characters, focussing mostly on Ben but also some of the important characters he meets, and these stories branch off and interact. It is interesting to see how the Delta affects each.

A lot of reviews say that this is a weird book and Chris Beckett’s other books are too, but it is the sort of weird I love to read. I’ve just added his other books to my want to read list - The Eden trilogy sounds especially good, as does The Holy Machine, and his short story collection The Turing Test.

Overall, I recommend this to people who like weird books and deep questions. There are chapters which are philosophical with not much action, but this reflection is important in the character arcs and direction of the story. I’m trying to think of comparable books to give a point of reference, but I think this book is in a category of its own!