The Great Reclamation by Rachel Heng explores the complex themes of identity, loss, and the search for belonging through a captivating speculative fiction. Set in a dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by an event known as the "Great Flood," the story follows Sabine, a young woman struggling to reconcile her memories and the present reality. As she becomes entangled in a mysterious cult and uncovers secrets about her past, Sabine embarks on a journey of self-discovery while navigating a society grappling with the fractures of the past and the uncertainties of the future.
Synopsis
In a dystopian future, humanity has been driven to the brink of extinction by a relentless virus known as the Blight. The few remaining survivors eke out a meager existence in isolated enclaves, struggling to fend off both the disease and the mutated horrors that roam the wastelands.
Amidst this bleak landscape, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of the Great Reclamation, an ambitious project to reclaim the shattered cities and return civilization to its former glory. Led by the enigmatic Dr. Anathema, a renowned scientist driven by both hope and desperation, a team of survivors embark on a perilous journey to the heart of the Blight-infested urban centers.
As they navigate the treacherous ruins, the team faces unimaginable horrors and personal sacrifices. They are haunted by memories of the past and the weight of their own mortality. But amidst the darkness, they also discover an unyielding determination to rebuild and reclaim their lost world. Through their struggles and sacrifices, the survivors of the Great Reclamation ignite a spark of hope in the embers of a dying civilization, proving that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit can endure and prevail.
Book Details
| Author | Rachel Heng |
| Publisher | Riverhead Books |
| Pub Date | February 2nd, 2023 |
| ISBN | 978-0-593-32237-1 |
| Page Count | 288 |
| Categories | Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction, Climate Fiction |
About The Author
Rachel Heng is a Singaporean-American author. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Boston University and her BA in English from Stanford University. Her debut novel, The Great Reclamation, was published in 2021 and was shortlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize and the Aspen Words Literary Prize. Heng's writing has appeared in Guernica, The Rumpus, and The Washington Post, among others. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Review of The Great Reclamation by Rachel Heng
Rachel Heng's "The Great Reclamation" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, memory, and the search for belonging.
"The Great Reclamation" is a literary fiction novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy complex and introspective stories. It is a well-written and thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and the search for belonging. While its slow pacing and ambiguous ending may not be to everyone's taste, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Where to Read
This book is available in bookstores.