The book Duplex is a recent work of fiction published in 2021 and written by one of my favorite authors, Orson Scott Card. The main character of this book is Ryan, an older brother whose parents have gotten divorced. The story follows his discovery that he has the superhuman power to protect those he loves to a lethal extent and how he grapples with the repercussions that occasionally follow.
Throughout the course of the book, Ryan has to learn to deal with his so-called micropower while also learning to be a more responsible older sibling since his parents’ separation. He learns that there are other people like him, with seemingly useless micropowers, and together, they must find a way to protect Ryan’s neighbor, Bizzy, and her mother, from a violent group of people that have followed them across the world.
I guess, having read the wonderful masterpiece of Ender’s Game, my standards for Card’s work are a little bit high, but I can’t lie; I was a little disappointed by the plot of this book. Granted, it has some interesting themes and valuable lessons interspersed within, but I was expecting a little bit more from a writer who puts his name in a bigger font than the title on the book’s cover. I agree with the author on most points he makes in this book. First, there’s the matter of forgiveness over time; it is revealed that one of the parents made a choice that the two should have made together, and how the other one has to learn to live with that decision. There’s also the theme of responsibility; Ryan’s father is adamant about Ryan needing to learn to do things spontaneously, without being asked, for the sake of doing what’s right rather than doing them because it’s a requirement. The only thing I feel like is a little bit unrealistic about this book is the dynamic between Ryan and his little sister, Dianne. It follows the trope of enemies-to-best-friends a little too closely, and doesn’t accurately display the mental fortitude it takes to decide to be nice to a sibling (believe me, I would know).
This book reminds me a little bit of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, mostly because of the connection between Daniel and Ryan; in light of the divorce that happens in both stories, each character realizes that they have to step up and be a better person for the sake of everyone around them, even if neither of them get credit for the changes they make. This book has definitely made me a little more grateful for the family I have, and has inspired me to perhaps treat my sister a little better (not that I don’t, but there’s always more I could do).
While it’s not as intriguing as I’d hoped it’d be, Duplex carries a series of hopeful messages for forgiveness and understanding, and has made me think a little bit more about my own family dynamic and what I can do to make it better.
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