Severance
Candace Chen is a survivor at the end of the world. The Shen Fever has ravaged the United States, leaving much of the population dead or dead-like, stuck in the repetitive movements of everyday life, patterns and habits. Those struck with the fever will set the table, sit down to “eat,” and then clear it, only to do so again 30 minutes later. Candace stayed in New York City until it felt like she was the only person remaining. Now she’s headed west with a small, cultlike group intent on starting a new society of survivors at the Facility near Chicago.
I have so many thoughts, my number one being: how was this published in 2018? Pre-pandemic? It’s uncanny how many likenesses there are to the global experiences of 2020 and beyond. It’s near-premonitory.
There were definitely parts of this book that didn’t connect. The writing style was a bit detached. I didn’t always feel connected to Candace as a character. Her relationships were stilted and I wasn’t certain of what contributed to her personality and decisions. However, I think in some ways, this made the question “is she fevered herself?” one that couldn’t be completely ruled out.
The novel asks so many questions without being overt about it. Candace’s career as a middle-man for a publishing company in the Bible department asks about consumerism, capitalism, and commercialization. Her past romantic relationship brings up social media, art, family, individualism, and privilege. That he thinks he can get out of the machine of New York City. That Candace wonders if that machine is everywhere, that capitalism is everywhere, that forging your own path is perhaps a myth. Does her identity as a Chinese-Canadian in America contribute to her experiences being different from his?
The repetitive nature of the fevered’s actions further push the reader to think about society and culture. The fevered are stuck in the pathways of unwavering routines. Are we all stuck in a machine? Are we all fevered?
For the staying power alone, I am rating this 4.5 stars. I would read it again, even with all its strangeness. It was immersive and held my attention. It wasn’t perfect and I wouldn’t recommend it to every audience, but it’s one that I will be thinking for a long time to come.
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This book includes scenes of killing the fevered. It could definitely disturb some audiences.
