Theory of Bastards

Last updated
Theory of Bastards
Author Audrey Schulman
LanguageEnglish
Genre Science fiction
Publisher Europa Editions
Publication date
April 24, 2018
ISBN 978-1-60945-437-1

Theory of Bastards is a 2018 science fiction novel by Audrey Schulman.

Contents

Synopsis

In the near future, mankind has grown increasingly reliant on technology and climate change threatens the interconnectivity of modern life. Biologist Francine Burk develops a theory that human women cheat on their partners because the offspring of extramarital affairs have evolutionary advantages. This theory brings her considerable prestige and she is able to test this theory while studying bonobos at a prestigious research facility in the American Midwest. After a dust storm causes a power outage, Burk and her partner must work together to protect themselves and their research subjects. They eventually are forced to leave the institute with their bonobos as they struggle to survive.

Reception

The book received mostly positive reviews for its tone, prose and pacing. [1] [2] [3] Reviewers also noted its social commentary and use of evolutionary psychology. [4] [5] Ian Mond, writing for Locus, praised Schulman's handling of topics related to chronic pain, intimacy and the dangers of overreliance on technology. [6] Kirkus Reviews described it as "a deeply unusual, psychologically astute novel about technology and survival, sex and love." [7]

However, some reviewers found the protagonist to be unlikable, and the overall plot was also criticized. [8] In particular, the novel's second act was criticized for departing from the tone and style of the first half. [9] [8] Sean Guynes-Vishniac of World Literature Today considered the novel's science fiction elements to be derivative, and described the protagonist's theory as "bullshit science that universalizes the experience of a subset of (American) women to the entire species and cuts across cultural and historical differences." [10]

It received the 2019 Philip K. Dick Award, [11] and a Neukom Institute Literary Arts Award. [12]

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References

  1. ↑ "Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  2. ↑ "Into the storm, with a band of bonobos". The Economist. ISSN   0013-0613 . Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  3. ↑ Long, Karen R. "'Theory of Bastards' review: Audrey Schulman novel a witty tale of humans, bonobos and scientific inquiry". Newsday. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  4. ↑ Sacks, Sam. "Fiction Chronicle: Love Among the Higher Primates". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  5. ↑ "Review | 'Theory of Bastards' is a feminist novel, but not the one you're expecting". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  6. ↑ "Ian Mond Reviews Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman". Locus. 2018-10-31. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  7. ↑ "Theory of Bastards". Kirkus Reviews. February 15, 2018. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
  8. 1 2 Nussbaum, Abigail (2019-04-01). "Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman". Strange Horizons. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  9. ↑ Al-Shawaf, Rayyan (2018-05-08). "Review: Audrey Schulman's Theory of Bastards offers thrills where you'd least expect to find them". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  10. ↑ "'Audrey Schulman in the Gutter of Genre,' by Sean Guynes-Vishniac". World Literature Today. 2018-09-17. Retrieved 2023-03-03.
  11. ↑ "Schulman Wins Philip K. Dick Award". Locus. 2019-04-22. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  12. ↑ "2019 Neukom Awards Winners". Locus. 2019-06-04. Retrieved 2023-03-04.
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