The Book Nook

Modern story set in Madison   Those seeking a dark and touching contemporary novel may enjoy “Bewilderment” by Richard Powers, an American author known for writing about the effects of science and technology on the natural world.  Although it touches on the same environmental themes as in his ambitious Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Overstory”, this tale is shorter and less complicated. Set mostly in Madison, Wisconsin, the novel follows a widowed astrobiologist named Theo.  He has a challenging job of looking for life on other planets, but more challenging is being a single parent following the unexpected death of his wife, Alyssa.  She was devoted to defending animal rights, a cause their young son Robin fiercely defends.  He frequently wishes he had her ability to calm their child, who is easily upset by negative news about people or animals. The book opens with Theo taking his son to the Smoky Mountains in the hopes an impromptu vacation will give them both a break from problems the boy’s having at school.  He dislikes how quickly people tag kids with labels such as ADHD or Asperger’s to explain negative behavior.  He’s also resistant to suggestions of using psychoactive medications, believing the behavioral problems stem from grief. The kid is noticeably happier, captivated not only with the area’s wildlife, but with the idea of visiting places his mother saw.  Dad worries about his kid’s preoccupation with preserving memories of Alyssa and that he seems incapable of moving past the loss. After returning home, the boy’s behavior worsens and after a violent episode, the school principal threatens to contact social services if Robin’s behavior doesn’t improve.  Fearing the loss of his child, Theo latches onto a possible solution. Before becoming parents, the couple volunteered for an experiment at the UW-Madison which involved summoning a specific emotion while having their brain scanned.  The ultimate goal was to help people with mental health or emotional issues. He convinces the lead researcher to let his son try the experimental therapy, hoping this will appease the school principal.  It does, and Robin is thrilled to share something his mother experienced.  The therapy goes well and there’s noticeable behavioral improvements.  It works so well the researchers want to use his case to further promote the project, promising to keep his identity secret. Things take a turn for the worse when anonymity is compromised and the two discover that being a public figure is a double-edged sword.  As problems snowball, a clash threaten their now fragile bond.  The two return to the Smoky Mountains where a well-intended attempt to help has devastating consequences. The author’s concern for nature is obvious in his detailed descriptions of areas such as the Smoky Mountains.  His prose is evocative and almost reverential as he brings the landscapes to life.  He effectively uses the Robin’s character as a vehicle for mankind’s effect on our planet.  The concerns he voices about what kind of world his generation will inherit is echoed by many young people around the world. There’s similar care in the scenes between father and son.  The two enjoyed a nightly ritual where Theo invented planets as bedtime stories, which led to discussions about what forms life could take elsewhere.  Alyssa’s voice is shown in italics and seems to represent an aspect of human nature that’s unattainable for her husband.  Using the duo’s memories of Alyssa keeps her alive to them and provides important background to readers. This story covers a lot of ground, and there’s bound to be disagreement about the author’s presentation in certain areas.  Powers wisely avoids a preachy tone, and there were only a few areas that felt overdone.  The idea of an “empathy machine” to treat neurological conditions came across as both far-fetched and fascinating.  Those who read the classic sci-fi work “Flowers for Algernon” will find similarities here, which the author acknowledges by citing the work in his book. Issues related to mental health were handled with care and intelligence.  Theo’s preference for the term “neurodivergent” provides an interesting alternative to labels given to those who fall outside our ideas of “normal”.   Powers did an excellent job balancing Robin’s less desirable behavior with his distinctive strengths. The author gives us a touching tale that shows us a family who cares for nature and hope to preserve it for the future.  He capably notes how easy it is to overlook the unique gifts offered by those who are different and how empathy can help us deal with life.