Wyndham, John: 1903-1969
The Chrysalids, 1955 - Information about the Book
- General Information
- The story is set in the future after a devastating global nuclear war. David, the young hero of the novel, lives in a tight-knit community of religious and genetic fundamentalists, always on the alert for any deviation from the norm of God's creation.
- Information from Wikipedia
- Reader Rating:
- Wyndham’s parents divorced when he was eight years old, creating a sense of disconnection that may have been the basis for David Strorm’s strained relationship with his authoritarian parents in Waknuk.Developed by AI
- Facts
- The book is also published under the title "Re-Birth" in some regions.
- Pronunciation of "The Chrysalids"
- Awards: "The Chrysalids" has not received any major literary awards. However, it has garnered significant critical acclaim and has become a staple in the science fiction genre.
- Characters
- Style
- Intolerance and Conformity
The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic society that is deeply intolerant of any genetic deviation from the perceived "norm." Mutants or those with physical abnormalities are considered "blasphemies" and persecuted, reflecting the dangers of enforced conformity and prejudice against differences.Change and Evolution
A central idea is that change and evolution are natural processes that should be embraced rather than resisted. The novel suggests that efforts to maintain an inflexible idea of "purity" are futile and harmful, as change is inevitable. The telepathic children represent the next stage of human evolution.Ways of Knowing
The novel questions traditional sources of knowledge like religious texts and authority figures. It argues for the primacy of personal experience, questioning dogma, and being open to new perspectives over blindly accepting established beliefs. David learns to be skeptical of appearances and assumptions.Humanity's Destiny
Wyndham explores the idea that humanity may be destined to be superseded by a more advanced species, represented by the telepathic children. While unsettling, the novel suggests this evolutionary process is natural and perhaps inevitable.The novel is a powerful critique of prejudice, dogmatism, and resistance to change, advocating for open-mindedness and acceptance of differences as the key to human progress and survival.
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- The novel is praised for its compelling characters, fascinating world-building, and the way it builds up a picture of the future world from a child's perspective. It is considered a powerful critique of prejudice, dogmatism, and resistance to change, advocating for open-mindedness and acceptance of differences as the key to human progress and survival.
While not as well-known in the United States, "The Chrysalids" has earned its place as a beloved classic in the UK, often appearing on mandatory reading lists in secondary schools. It is an intriguing exploration of themes such as religious extremism, zealotry, and persecution of those who are different, which were likely intentionally written by the author.
Some readers have expressed disappointment that the story was not expanded into a series, as the way it concludes leaves a somewhat underwhelming feeling, knowing there will be no further exploration of the narrative. Overall, "The Chrysalids" is considered an enjoyable, thought-provoking read that has stood the test of time as a science fiction masterpiece
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- Articles
- A science fiction novel:
- Re-Birth / The Chrysalids: "The book suffers from Retro Scifi-itis, which is when a male author is able to imagine and share a creative possible future, with solid worldbuilding and believable connections to our own and a message and a theme… but the female characters exist to be pretty, fall in love, and care for babies." Meg Stivison; March 8, 2024
- Telepathy and Tribulation: "The real strength of The Chrysalids is the seamless incluing of the way it builds up a picture of the future world from the point of view of a child entirely immersed in it." Jo Walton; October 27, 2008
- Review: "The telepathy functions as a metaphor, a pointer towards freedom of thought and speech. The message is clear: if we think together, we become better." The Guardian; April 10, 2011
- Review: "My only qualm with The Chrysalids is that it would have made an excellent start to a series that unfortunately never materialized." Arcadia Pod; April 30, 2023