Under the Eye of the Big Bird: Review
Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami covers the (de-)evolution of humanity over hundreds, possibly thousands of years. This is an ambitious and sometimes bizarre story told from numerous perspectives of people and their protectors. It covers the events of a future Earth where humanity is in a gradual decline, seemingly out of malaise more than any sudden apocalypse. Some isolated groups have evolved into dramatically different physiology. Over time the regular population and the protector classes all decline, leading to an oppressive feeling of loneliness and isolation. Kind of like The High House, but on the scale of all humanity.
The scope and ambition of this novel is impressive. The world-building required to describe this unique vision of humanity's future over centuries takes great skill. And the gradual reveals about the state of the world and the remaining population helps keep up interest. In many ways, however, the seemingly inevitable decline of humanity portrayed here is something of a downer. Even in other very dark novels (like The Road), there is some glimmer of hope, or sacrifice to benefit others. Here there is just decline, bleakness, and a seemingly unavoidable end.
Rating:
- Recommend? Yes, especially for multi-generational slowpocalypse fans
- Buy as a gift? No
Last modified on 20 Feb 2025 by AO
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