Marin Bratanov Oct 25, 2018

it was amazing 's review

Short version:

A great deconstruction of our society. If you are into thinking about human nature and the way humans interact with one another, read this book. It feels personal and at the same time - generic and all-encompassing. This book isn't about aliens, but about humans. It isn't about first contact, but about our daily contacts with others.



The feelings I got ranged from existential despair to the pure optimism of the golden era of Sci-Fi. Of course, you'll get plenty of Erikson's best - full-blooded characters that each have their own distinct voice, thoughts and actions that are believable. By the end of the book you'll think you know the people even though they are struggling to find themselves in the wake of the Contact.



Extended review starts here.



If you are not familiar with Erikson's other works, read a few articles, posts or reviews on (or of) his before plunging into this book. His writing is serious, at times even tedious, and it is always rich on philosophical subjects and not just on the events being described. Often times he won't even describe events, but feelings, thoughts and social/philosophical paradigms. And put them all to serious questioning. "Rejoice" is far better than the psychology/philosophy textbooks I was obliged to study on in high school, this book is a much deeper, thorough and profound exploration of human nature, fears, hopes and mistakes than anything I've seen. I'd venture that it's even better than some introductory pieces of specialized literature.



With this in mind, don't let the first 10% fool you - they are very fast-paced, but this will not keep up (nor should it). It is a great intro to the book because it lets all the characters sink their hooks in you. Their introductions feel so real, so personal, so believable. You'll definitely find someone who resonates with you. For me it was the the way the intimacy between the doctor and his missing wife is explained, the way the cop loses faith in humanity. The first few percent reek of the desperation in this world that most people fail to see with their happy-go-lucky always positive attitude that is somehow modern in this day and age.



As the book progresses, you'll get even more people, all from varying walks of life, and the mystery will deepen. I actually believed *spoiler* that Adam will just delete mankind when instead he stopped violence *end of spoiler*. This is where it gets really interesting, because Then "Rejoice" really plunges into exploring what pieces of shit humans really are, while at the same time affirming how great we can sometimes be. It's a duality in us that cuts like a knife to the heart.



What surprised me the most is the *spoilers* optimism Erikson seems to hold in humanity - I can only compare it to authors like Assimov who wrote about the best in mankind's nature and its ability to adapt, overcome and do good. On the other hand, if someone magically resolved all my problems, perhaps I would be a much better person too, who knows. *end of spoiler*.



Ultimately, "Rejoice" is about exploring the what-ifs of human behavior and thinking, and it does a marvelous job of that. Nothing is overdone, all things are in moderation, even the optimism and faith in mankind.



Read it!