With Alex Garland gaining popularity in cinema (Ex Machina, Annihilation, etc.) I was curious to check out some of his earlier writing. It had been some time since I had seen the film adaption by Danny Boyle, which was probably a good thing. The movie is OK, but the novel is fantastic.
There are two things that jump out at me with the novel (beyond specific events and plot points); 1. The examination of Traveler vs Tourist, and 2. They dynamics of leadership and social order. The first really sets up the story by breaking down any preconceived ideologies these characters may have. The traveler is fiercely independent, if not mildly pretentious. They carry no sense of nationalism or social bonds. But they are also in denial. About their dependency on many things they ridicule and fact they are still just tourists.
Which leads to the second theme...how do a group of "travelers" redefine a social hierarchy and leadership model in an isolated environment. Who fishes? Who farms? Who builds shelter? Who LEADS? More importantly what happens when those structures start to break down? Hunger, sickness, tribal warfare.....chaos is lurking...even in Paradise.
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
