A lengthy story revolves around a man and a girl, both unnamed, who travel together in search of a remote and sheltered settlement. Along the way, they encounter a stranger armed with a crossbow. At this point, the man decides to share his story alone, beginning with his origins and the people who lived in the hinterland. He grew up with his mother, who taught him everything he needed to survive as a responsible citizen and encouraged him to embark on journeys as a means of education. Through his travels, he gained a wealth of knowledge, symbolizing confidence, trust, and freedom.
In his community, there was no caste or hierarchy. Life was marked by challenging weather and epidemics, making it unsafe to remain in one place for too long. He asserted that he was not an ordinary person. Upon coming of age, he joined the Service with a specific mission. This transition changed his life, introducing him to routines and a world that was more complex than he had ever understood.
While the exact timeline isn't specified, it is likely set in a dystopian future several decades from now—a post-apocalyptic world devastated by climate change, violence, and chaos. The author also portrays the old world as dirty and rotten. It is now the task of the new generation to learn from the past and make sacrifices to ensure that such a catastrophe never happens again.
This narrative spans over 500 pages and is a thought-provoking read that tackles themes of grief and loss while addressing the global effects of generational trauma. I spent nearly two weeks engrossed in this imaginative tale, reflecting on our responsibilities, our understanding of identity, humanity, and technology, and grappling with the question of who is to blame. 😅😅