Short Book Reviews: Review: "Prophet" by Helen Macdonald & Sin Blaché, 2023

Prophet by Helen Macdonald
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Review of "Prophet" by Helen Macdonald & Sin Blaché

In the vast expanse of science fiction literature, "Prophet" by Helen Macdonald and Sin Blaché stands out as a unique endeavor. The novel, which delves into the intriguing concept of weaponizing nostalgia through a substance known as Prophet, offers a fresh perspective on the power of memories and their potential implications in a world dominated by capitalist intentions.

Having been an ardent reader of science fiction, with favorites like "Infinity Gate" by M.R. Carey and the "Children of Time" series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, I approached "Prophet" with high expectations. The premise, reminiscent of the eerie undertones of "The Twilight Zone" and the investigative intrigue of "The X-Files," promised a thrilling ride. However, the execution left much to be desired.

The novel's pacing is its Achilles' heel. While some reviewers hinted at an improvement halfway through, I found it to be uneven, with prolonged dialogues between characters that neither advanced the plot nor provided significant emotional context. Every interaction between Rao and Adam, especially Rao's repetitive endearment "love," became a point of contention for me. Their banter, which could have been a highlight, often bordered on the tedious, overshadowing the novel's more profound themes.

The weaponization of nostalgia, a central theme, had the potential to be a compelling commentary on how modern corporations, reminiscent of platforms like Facebook and Instagram, manipulate our memories for profit. However, this theme felt underexplored, lost amidst the verbose dialogues and the will-they-won't-they dynamic of the protagonists.

World-building, a crucial element in science fiction, should seamlessly intertwine with character development and plot progression. While some novels excel in creating immersive universes, "Prophet" seemed to falter, with the world feeling more like a backdrop than an integral part of the narrative.

In comparison to other works I've enjoyed, such as "The Hierarchies: A Novel" by Ros Anderson and the "Greenhollow Duology" by Emily Tesh, "Prophet" lacked the depth and engagement I crave in my reads. The dual authorship might have contributed to the disjointed feel, with the narrative voice fluctuating between Macdonald's atmospheric descriptions and Blaché's character-driven dialogues.

While "Prophet" offers an innovative concept and touches upon relevant societal issues, it falls short in its execution. Readers who appreciate a slow-burn, dialogue-heavy narrative might find it appealing. However, for those like me, who value a balanced blend of plot, character development, and world-building, it might be a 480-page test of patience.

My rating: 1 out of 5 stars.