When facts are left aside, truth becomes subjective. Humanity does not live in a common reality, but every person experiences reality through their lens of understanding. A boon in one’s life can be a bane in another’s. There is a struggle not just to survive but to thrive, to impact the world. Modern technology stands at the intersection of humanity’s struggle for identity and power. The Perfection of Fish captures the complexity of society and reflects how social conditions impact the state of mind.
Humans have a tendency to seek control, to bend reality at their whim. The book reflects how science and technology are exploited to attain this vision of utmost control. Technology is not a neutral force; it has a strong social reality, and it can be a tool as well as a weapon. The story conveys that humanity’s need for control impacts the biggest nations and the smallest cells.
In 2042 USA, Assurance is a vanishing town and Nadia Holkam is the last remaining member. Her world is constricted to four walls, and Berky Benson, thirteen years younger than her, is the sole owner of her life. Berky is motivated to rearrange the disheveled society’s order. He says God talks to him and has assigned him the divine task. He is set to seek help from science and religion to defeat the politics dominated by women.
Set in the near future, the novel takes the reader through stories that show the aftermath of a new social reality. In this system, tradition has been overthrown through scientific means.
Berky ropes in Ali Khan Ahmed, an Indian scientist seeking safety from authorities, to assist in his project at Xanadu NeuroLab. But to transform society, technology is not enough. Therefore, Berky seeks out Canduka Cantor, a religious guru with breakthrough technology of ‘life cloning.’ When it is revealed who Berky wants to be cloned from the dead, readers will be as surprised as Cantor.
On the other side stands Marcy Darcy, a celebrity lawyer who claims to be ‘transforming the human race into peace-loving creatures’. The cause of transformation is an element of destruction for Berky Benson. Resetting social order is the motivation behind Berky’s multimillion-dollar project. The project changes many lives as it progresses.
Berky’s master plan is revealed as the characters work toward their goals. Each character entails a unique experience that showcases the multifaceted consequences of a single change. The author has woven characters with different values. To witness how their realities converge takes the reader on an unforgettable journey.
The story explores the ongoing debate of nature versus nurture by showing humanity’s struggle to overcome natural limitations. The author does not spoon-feed the readers but reveals the themes through the characters’ thinking and actions. This sets the book apart, making it a thought-provoking read. It draws the reader in, and the plot thickens with every chapter and gets more interesting with every page. The reader may like some characters or dislike others, but indifference is not an option; each character leaves an undeniable impact.
The novel shows how science, religion, politics, and superstition interact to influence each individual differently. The story represents the interplay of all these aspects through Berky Benson’s master plan of changing the human body to its core. The most interesting part to look forward to is how science, technology, and faith can be used to create new realities.
When Cantor’s religion fights Darcy’s politics, the story profoundly captures the inherent struggle between two connected strands of society. These are not merely themes that the author has explored, but they tend to attain a character of their own. The author lets the readers think rather than offering conclusions. The multiple subjectives collide and give way to the highly engaging plot.
There is a common notion that the opposite of patriarchy is matriarchy. If you ask a sociologist, the answer is that both are two sides of one system—domination. The true opposite of patriarchy is equality. The novel plays with such notions, making readers ponder societal complexity. It hooks the readers, providing a sense of thrill. It is adventurous to witness the characters bringing their unique perspectives.
More than right or wrong, the story explores the behind-the-scenes of morality. Plus, the point is that it does not feel overly complicated. It delves into emotions and not technicality. The excitement increases as the plot plays out, fitting like a puzzle.
The author’s storytelling creates vivid narratives with a smooth flow of scenery and dialogue. Every page turn attracts readers’ curiosity. There are moments of wonder and realization, making the story so compelling.
Human behavior is a major factor in the book’s storytelling. It is interesting to read how an individual fits into the grand scheme. Simplifying complex concepts through engaging storytelling makes the book stand out. The reader’s interest does not waver even for a moment. The novel takes on how societal conditions shape the person and how a person struggles to shape society. When science mixes with religion and politics, power struggles lead to serious consequences. The novel makes note of small actions shaping world politics. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds.
A mind-blowing science fiction, The Perfection of Fish plays with superstitions and science; it measures the difference between imagination and delusion. It entices readers to explore how actions and consequences bind one person to others. The appeal increases as it does not waste readers’ time stating the obvious or making simple commentary.
The novel is a treat for science fiction readers. It undeniably holds enjoyment for readers who like to spend time on mysteries and thrillers. The story offers great literary value as it encompasses overlapping themes. The book guarantees a stirring ride and will find a special place in the minds and hearts of readers.
The Perfection of Fish by J.S. Morrison is available on Amazon. We highly recommend it for readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction with a blend of technology, politics, and societal complexity.
– Editorial Team, The Sociology Group
Tamanna Nandal, a passionate master’s student in Sociology with a keen interest in human experiences, completed her graduation from UoD. She is currently enrolled at Ambedkar University. When not immersed in academic pursuits, she ventures into the artistic world through poems and photography. Tamanna finds solace in the pages of fiction, fantasy, and short stories, making literature an integral part of her life.