Imagine for a moment you start your day, a day just like any other. You wake up, brew a pot of coffee, and prepare to go to work. When you step outside, you see a small wooden box left at your doorstep. "Funny," you think to yourself, "I wasn't expecting a package today." You take the box inside and open it. Inside lies a small length of string and nothing else. There is no explanation as to what the string is or who sent it. What do you do from here? I'd probably go about my day and not give it much more thought. Indeed, many people do just that, continuing on with their lives as if nothing of consequence has occurred. Little do they know that the secret to their fates has just been revealed to them. The length of the string that each individual receives corresponds to the exact length of their lives.
With the revelations about the length of peoples' lives comes the ultimate "what would you do" scenario. Those in possession of a long string are flooded with relief at the life they have ahead of them. Those with a short string are faced with more questions than answers. Short stringers, seek support for the revelation, attempt to get their affairs in order, or simply decide to take fate into their own hands. The long stringers aren't without moral dilemmas of their own. Is someone with a short string hireable? Should they be allowed to serve in the military? Become the US President? It may seem logical that someone who won't live a long life shouldn't be invested in. But what about all of those people throughout history who have made massive impacts on the world but died young? There are no easy answers in this new reality.
Nikki Erlick's debut novel The Measure takes a brilliant concept of moral ambiguity and unleashes it upon an ensemble cast of well-crafted characters. It is in these characters that the strength of the novel lies. There is a mix of individuals, from everyday folks just living their lives to high-profile politicians hoping to score in the next election. Erlick effortlessly shifts perspectives as she tells the stories of people coming to terms with the lengths of their lives. As the drama unfolds, we see glimpses of the same kind of divisiveness that plagues are very own reality. Everyone seems more interested in advancing their own opinions or agendas than rallying around each other in a time of emotional upheaval. From large-scale disruptions to quieter moments between families, Erlick's mastery of storytelling shines through. The Measure is a novel that dares its reader to contemplate their own life and place within the world. You'll be thinking about it long after you turn the final page.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2022, 40)
It is interesting to think about what you would do if you knew how long you were going to live. I definitely want to read this one. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a premise that I think most of us have thought about. It makes for a completely riveting read!
DeleteI think I will have to get this one! What a premise.
ReplyDeleteThis one is well worth the read! It is such a cool concept!
DeleteThat sounds really deep. I read a book, Denton Little's Deathdate which evoked the same sort of thinking with respect to mortality and knowing when you will expire.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'll have to be on the lookout for that one!
DeleteWow, what interesting, complex questions this book asks!
ReplyDeleteThat’s from me, Verushka btw ☺️
DeleteIt would be great for a book club discusson!
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