My take on the book “Bewilderment” by Richard Powers

Oxford dictionary defines Bewilderment as a feeling of being perplexed and confused. The title is apt for the book! I was introduced to this book by a colleague of mine who said that reading this would be challenging for me as it is not my favourite genre . That made me even more intrigued to read the book. The title itself with the cover picture was enough for me to get my hands on it. 

The book is set on the foundation of a father-son relationship. Theo, who is an astrobiologist, is doing his best to take care of and protect his son Robin from this cruel and enchanting world. After the tragic death of Aly, Theo’s wife, both Theo and Robin are trying their best to survive on the memories left by her. It is set in the near future, although never mentioned make it for a fascinating read. 

Robin is an extraordinary child, intelligent and curious beyond years and Theo understands the complexities that his son faces in his school. The world is constantly trying to put Robin in boxes they can check. Dictating how asking questions and explaining oneself is construed as talking back and might earn one a demerit. Robin often finds himself in trouble at school and feels like he doesn’t belong. He also has a violent streak and ends up thrashing a classmate with his thermos. Aware of the hardships, Theo takes his 9 year old on vacations in the wild, keeping him safe away from the world, but for how long? They also take trips on several planets,looking for a desirable one to support life, together. Theo is struggling, managing his career and Robin can be a handful sometimes. As a 27 year old, I could empathize with both of them. The book is written with a male perspective, but the way Robin is raised is a balance of both maculine and feminine traits, in a way Theo does still carry his wife with him. 

The underlying emotions of the book are set around Empathy, Kindness, Courage, Grief and intensity with which one is capable of feeling these emotions. The Compassion that Robin holds for all the plants, animals and humans is remarkable and his questions would have made any adult flabbergasted, let alone Theo. The major lesson that the book shouts to deliver is that our planet is dying! It is urgent for us to acknowledge it and take action. What Robin does not understand is how we can be aware of the disastrous things happening around us and still be insouciant? A 9 year old stands in front of the Congress with a sign saying “Help me,I am dying!” forcing the reader to pay full attention to the strong intent he has to help save the planet. 

The intense nature of Robin is moving. Like his father, whom he admires and protects in his own way, he too has found a passion that gives meaning to his life and he encourages us to die doing the thing that drives us the most. 

I loved this book so much, I couldn’t keep it down. It is the best combination of fiction and didacticism I have read . Made me wake up early in the morning to hug my parents and thank them for raising me with their imperfections, the best way they could. We often glorify the beautiful things this planet has to offer, but ignore the dark side that we are responsible for. Species are dying and we are killing them. It’s time to get inspired by Robin and take crucial action to prioritise our planet and the living beings.

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