I’ve read all of Lionel Shriver’s novels and, as I always eagerly anticipate publication of her latest, I was delighted to receive an ARC of ‘Mania’ and to discover that it didn’t disappoint! What I admire most about her writing is her willingness to ‘say it as it is’, to be provocative and challenging and to resist mindlessly ‘following the crowd’, the very antithesis to the mindless ‘dumbing-down’ (no apologies from me for this language!) required following the establishment of the Mental Parity movement, an edict which demands that ‘Stupid is banned and smart is cancelled’, and encourages the belief that everyone can do any job they choose to without having to achieve a particular educational level or undergo any sort of training. For anyone daring to challenge the obvious flaws (and dangers!) in this premise the sanctions are extreme, ranging from social ostracism, losing one’s job and even having one’s children removed by the authorities. Everyone is expected to report any miscreants to the authorities so, as even children are expected to ‘shop’ their own parents, there’s nowhere safe to express an alternative view or opinion and, as the story explores, this has a profound impact on how family members interact with one another, as well as how relationships between friends who share differing views are affected as they try not to fall foul of the new ‘rules’.
Although the alternative recent history the author has created in this satirical dystopia may sometimes verge on the hyperbolic, there is far too much which feels disturbingly familiar to be able to dismiss its basic premise as being totally unbelievable. It frequently feels that we’re already living in a world where tolerance of differing points of view, of legitimate debate and criticism is decreasing because people are becoming fearful of being ‘cancelled’ for not being prepared to keep silent when they disagree.
Whilst there is much to feel disturbed and angry about in Lionel Shriver’s acerbic and incisive exploration of the concept of ‘equality’, this is exactly what makes ‘Mania’ such an important book to read and, without venturing into spoiler territory, I appreciated the way in which she explored how once firmly-held beliefs can be influenced by a future shift in public opinion. Although this isn’t, by any stretch of the imagination, a comfortable read, I did find that the occasional moments of rather black humour helped to reduce the tension caused by frequent feelings of outrage about the unintended (but entirely predictable) consequences of ill-thought-out ideas. I think its potential to encourage lively discussion and debate (including about the brilliance of the author’s acknowledgments!) makes it an ideal choice for book groups.
Much as I enjoyed this thought-provoking story, because there were times when I thought that it verged a bit too far into polemical territory, I’ve really struggled with my rating so, sadly, its not a 5* one … but it is a solid 4½* one! ( )