Beautiful Prose and Profound Themes, But Missing a Bit of Heart

#BookReview #SpeculativeFiction #Humanity #ManifestDestiny

While I don’t usually gravitate toward speculative fiction, I was drawn into Cadwell Turnbull’s The Lesson because it was the featured book for a book club event hosted by Book of Cinz. 

Even though I eventually could not attend the event, tuning into the audible version of this book hooked me with its stunning prose and thoughtful exploration of human nature. 

Turnbull’s writing is undeniably captivating, with beautifully crafted sentences that evoke deep emotion and reflection. Lines like “To the animals, nothing has changed. Strange creatures stole them from their homes to devour them…” lingered in my mind. I understood this as offering insights into the plight of the conquered by the manifest destiny of human and alien invaders and even our own human fragility.

That said, as someone who enjoys stories centered on love and relationships, I wished for a stronger focus on the love stories woven throughout the narrative. While the book deeply explores familial and community bonds, the romantic connections felt like seeds that could have blossomed into richer, more developed storylines. Moments of affection and longing hinted at something profound but were often overshadowed by the novel’s weightier themes of power, trauma, and survival.

Even so, Turnbull’s exploration of pain and connection is compelling. The line “They were content in burying him…but nothing ever stayed buried — it came out in strange and dangerous ways” speaks to the enduring impact of unresolved emotions, a theme that resonated deeply. Similarly, the use of silence — “…silence…he could feel it on his skin…like reading a poem and pulling something from it that wasn’t on the page.” — was particularly moving. This idea of things left unsaid, misinterpreted, delayed, and missed recurred throughout, emphasizing the unspoken layers of the characters’ relationships. 

Ultimately, The Lesson is a thoughtful and provocative novel that excels in literary prose and thematic depth. While I craved more emphasis on love stories, I appreciated the nuanced depiction of human and alien interactions and the profound truths Turnbull conveys. For readers who love beautifully written, contemplative fiction, this book is worth experiencing — even if, like me, you don’t typically explore this genre.

What did I think “the lesson” was? 

At its core, The Lesson by Cadwell Turnbull is a thought-provoking exploration of humanity through the lens of first contact with an alien species. Set in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the novel follows the arrival of the Ynaa, a technologically advanced alien race seeking refuge on Earth. While they bring incredible knowledge and power, their presence also disrupts the fragile balance of the island’s community, leading to tension, mistrust, and violence. Through the lives of many interconnected characters, Turnbull examines themes of colonialism, power dynamics, grief, and the resilience of human relationships. It’s a story that delves into how people confront change, loss, and the unsettling truths about themselves when faced with forces far beyond their control.

I recommend this book.

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