While I am on a writing binder at the moment, I do occasionally take a break and treat myself to a new novel or novella from a writer I stalk…uh…I mean—follow on Twitter. This month I decided to snag Sam Hendricks What They Deserve.
This is a dystopian novella set in a post WW III Seattle. In her story, Seattle has seceded from the Reformed United States and is under the control of a dictator. According to what they have been told, everyone must wear a special patch, the Inevix, to prevent the advanced weaponry from killing them. Having lived in Seattle for six years after I got out of the Navy, and a few of my own stories are set in this fun Pacific Northwest city, I was instantly intrigued by her premise.
Sam weaves a very fast paced tale of a high-powered couple in the regime. She paints a picture of a troubled and distant marriage, torn by years of war, a son who has died and another who is not with them for other difficult reasons (resisting spoilers as much as I can). The main character Summer, works in the broadcasting industry, pushing the propaganda of the Republic of Seattle. Sam never tells you Summer’s age exactly, but she does a great job of showing you a woman who is on the older side and worried about her looks in front of the camera and in public. Then her husband Max, the Republic’s Chief Technology Officer is accused of murder on the night of the Republic’s big gala.
I enjoyed Sam’s characters. Sometimes I find that when I read about tech, people tend to veer into stereotypes. Sam creates realistic, relatable people going through tough situations. Her characters are battered, somewhat beat-down and weary. From the very beginning you get the sense of a group of people clinging to whatever good things they can, while going through the motions of life. I hope she does a few prequels and spin-offs. I would like to read more about Summer’s sister Wednesday. Both her activities prior to the beginning of the story and what will she do after (Once again, resisting spoilers with everything I have). I would like to hear more about her sons and her mother. I think their stories individually would make great novels.
My only beef with the story is that in some places it is a little too compressed, and the action gets a little confusing. In places it jumps a little, making me say, wait, what? Then I re-read, it and I’m fine. I felt that this story could have easily been drawn out into a full-length novel. I would have loved to see more about their movement through post-war Seattle. She does a great job incorporating many Seattle elements and neighborhoods, so it would have been fun to stretch it out and have her characters encounter some of the quirks of downtown while they try to make their escape (the steep hills, the Seattle Under Ground, the locks, the old South Lake Union Trolley). I felt Sam definitely has the talent to pull this off. Maybe in a spin-off or sequel? Please?
Overall, an intriguing premise and a great, quick read. It left me curious for more of the world and characters that Sam created. She leaves you with the sense of: it’s over, but it’s not.
Can’t wait to read more of her work. Below is a link to Kyanite’s Q&A of her Novella