The Generation

by Holly Cave, Imogen Church (Narrator)

***Shortlisted for the 2015 Mumsnet and Janklow & Nesbit novel award***

Are you who they say you are?

London, 2052. An ID tag is embedded in the flesh of your neck. Your every move is tracked. Your genes tell the State nearly everything about you.

Everything you were.
Everything you are.
Everything you will be.

For Freya, Kane, and the rest of this fledgling generation, the battle to break free of their genetic horoscopes will not be without bloodshed...

Genres: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Audiobook

Audiobook

First published August 14, 2014

About the author

Holly Cave was born in sunny Torquay in 1983. She received a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London, after which she spent four years working at the Science Museum in London. After a career break to travel the world, Holly became a freelance writer and now writes about science and technology alongside her fiction work. She lives in rural Buckinghamshire in a wisteria-draped pub (yes, pub) with her husband and dog, Cooper. The Generation is her debut novel (although she wrote a number of unpublished works with her father on his typewriter in the 1990s).

The Memory Chamber was published in hardback by Quercus in February 2018.

Other books: Really, Really Big Questions About Science (children’s non-fiction); The Generation (fiction)

Reviews

[Nicola Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this took a while to get going and took me a bit of time to get into it, a bit slow moving in parts but it did need to lay down a foundation to fully explain the new world we were in, where your genetics logged from birth control the rest of your life ...! As a a scientist with a love of genetics, it really intrigued me!

It seemed like there was a lot of characters and felt a bit all over the place at times as I struggled to get into the flow of it but the premise of the story is good. Although I only read half of the book and didn’t finish it as it struggled to hold my attention and was hoping the pace would quicken a bit. I find it so intriguing though, the idea that life could be controlled by our genes and genetics, governing our lives and stipulating our futures. It seems like something that has a real potential of encountering in our future.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our understanding of genetics is increasing almost daily and the science is often in the news highlighting the developments that are being made which reduce the likelihood of certain diseases or conditions but what if we were all genetically screened and our lives were dictated by our genetic background? In the near future this very real possibility is the fate of Kane and Freya in this glimpse into our future world.

Holly has achieved what many science fiction writers fail to do, extrapolated our current world and thinking into the future in such a way that it's both recognisable and yet different enough to be a real possibility. Her descriptions of London forty years from now feel very tangible as do the political and cultural references.

In The Generation Holly has created a very emotional and complex story that tackles big scientific ideas and combines them with an intriguing plot that I genuinely didn't know where it was leading, the ending is chilling as well as giving hope that the masses can challenge the status quo.

A fantastic breakthrough novel by an author we will be seeing more of.

[Marjolein (UrlPhantomhive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com

In 2052 London, Genetics decide everything. A scan just after your birth decides your life as it tells you exactly what you'll grow up to be. A terrorist attack might finally uncover something big, very big.


I liked the setting: London and the invisible, but ever so present State, controlling everyone. The questions it rises: to what extend predict our genes who we are going to be, is an interesting one. Near the end of the story, there are some shocking revelations and it all worked together quite nice.


My biggest problem with the story was that it took quite some time for me to actually get into the story. The story isn't that long and when I was reading I was enjoying myself. But, whenever I had to stop reading it was too easy. (And I had trouble starting again). Perhaps this is because in the beginning quite a lot happens all at once and it was a bit confusing at times.


In all, an interesting novel which raises some interesting questions (I won't go too much into detail since I don't want to spoil anything). You'll have to get through the start but then you'll enjoy the rest of the story.


Thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It's been a while since I read a decent dystopian story, & got this from my library on audio. As a biologist, the genetics based storyline interested me. I had to speed the audio up to x1.25 though as the reader was so slow.

[Sophie Breese]

Dnf

[Amanda Shelley-Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book by the Author in exchange for and honest review.

I Have mixed feelings about this one. I really liked the story but The writing style was a little off in certain parts for me, I think because it seemed every time I was starting to get into the story it would change or something in the story changed and it threw me off. I did love the concept of the story though and I think if it had had a little more work it would have been a great story.

The Beginning feels too rushed and skips stuff that I think should have had a little more detail. However the ending was really good and I really liked it. I really liked that the story had all the intrigue and mystery to it as it was intriguing to read and to try to think about who was on the right side of what.

The characters were great as well and I really liked Freya. I really hope that they don't tag us all like that in the future cause that would really suck!...lol

All in all it was an ok book and with a little work it could be great!

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Elli Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gattaca meets The One

🧡 Listen to this for the dystopic* dread and thrilling premise, for the Gattaca-esque world it creates. If you enjoy revelling in the open-floodgates, worst case scenario of tech invading our lives then this is one to try. And that’s me. So why not 4 or 5 stars?

💚 This was good. I vacillated between rating it 3 or 4 stars. It reminded me of John Marrs’ The One (also a Netflix series), with its invasive love connections. But ultimately it felt rushed. It skims over rather than dives into issues. It has too many characters and not enough action. Ultimately, I’m being critical because I liked it, but wanted to love it. Nevertheless, it’s worth a listen, especially while it’s on Audible’s Plus catalogue.

*Ps. dystopic is not a word but should be.

Soundbite

🎧 I think this could have benefited from an additional cast member. Imogen Church is excellent with her sinister sultriness - she always is - but another voice could have added a dimension of action, a liveliness, I feel it lacked.

🎧 I was lost at times, forgetting which character was speaking. The chapter headings could have offered me a lifeline but were not inputted completely.

I Listened For Free on Audible Plus.

Find more bird’s eye view audiobooks reviews at Audiobooks Nest.

[Amanda Youngs · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a while in the middle I felt a bit disengaged but on the whole this book (which I listened to, as read by Imogen Church) was another happy addition to my collection of dystopian near-future novels.

The ending could have been predicted from fairly early on, but strangely, having a feeling I knew how it was going to end was not a problem for me, because I was most interested to see how we would get to the ending - the journey rather than the destination, I suppose.

Other people will spell out the plot, but on this occasion I will happily let them do that. A word about the reader, Imogen Church. It was a highly competent read with some great characterisation and a couple of lovely accents in there, although it's only fair to say that most of her male characters did sound rather similar, a little too neanderthal in flavour for my tastes! I am probably unusually picky for various reasons, though, and I would not hesitate to listen to another book she had narrated. Given how withering I can be about some unfortunate narrators, this is a pretty good read and you might enjoy the book in this format if reading print books or on an e-reader doesn't suit you for some reason.

If you like a dystopian novel, then this could be right up your street.

[Alice Motion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept - you are genetically mapped at birth and your life then lived with the knowledge of what will happen to you - and (a little heavy-handedly by the end) raises questions about the nature-nurture debate. However, I found the pacing off at various points, and the relationship between the characters to be a little unbelievable. I also found that the story context wasn’t particularly well explained, as it was clear that “The Takeover” meant more had changed than just the introduction of the genetic mapping, but the structure of the new social was never well explained. It seemed to be modelled on The Handmaid’s Tale (especially with the interview at the end) but fell far short.

[Andy Parkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting premise but was let down a little as the middle section which didn't quite know where it was going

In a future where your genes are analysed at birth to predict your how does society work where everything about your health, personality and behaviour are known immediately

I enjoyed it, but as I was reading it and noticed I was around the 75% mark I wasn't sure how it was going to wrap everything up with the pages left.
I think could probably have done with one more draft.

[Susan Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

If you enjoy a thriller with a little extra this is perfect. A brilliant tale but at the conclusion I felt depressed that both the story & author identified that we never learn!! At least in the book some people were made to take some responsibility for their actions but in this life no one does!! Easily compared to Windrush Scandal, Iraqi War, were people in power make serious decisions which cruelly affect other people's lives but take no accountability for their actions. Superb read & makes you think about the world we live in.

[Christiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really sure about this one. The concept was interesting and kept me going until the end, but I'm just not sure it quite delivered. Like some other people said at times it felt like there were too many characters and with the audio version at least I seemed to lose track of who and where things were.
I was sort of expecting this big rise up and exploration of the idea of a birth diagnosis, but it kind of all got revealed at the end and the middle felt like filler at times.

[Heather Dinwoodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit I'm a bit biased because I know the author of this book, but I found it a thoroughly compelling read with well-developed characters and a considered plot line. It's extremely well-written with beautiful descriptions and an engaging tone that keeps you hooked until the very end. I'd highly recommend giving the Generation a read, as well as 'the Memory Chamber' - Holly's subsequent novel which is even more captivating.

[Jamie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent dystopian novel about genetics and how they do or don't shape our destiny.
It really made me think. I'm 90% sure who we are comes from the things we experience but I'm always wondering. Anyway this book explores that.
It was okay. The world building was amazing. It resolved well.

[Kerstin Saye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book examining the old question who or what decides who we are or become? What if anything influences this and would it be beneficial for us to know or is it harmful to know too much.
This scientific if not philosophical conundrum is played out in a futuristic/crime genre way. I enjoyed the journey of the main characters very much.

[Joanne Levey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had massive potential but didn’t hit the mark. Too slow at the start and the pace wavered all the way through. Potentially massively exciting bits were somehow dulled and the crescendo was more of a trickle. Such as shame. I loved the concept. If john marrs had written this it would’ve been 5 stars I’m sure!

[Jenifer Lavery · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry but interesting

Not one of my favourites but worth persevering with. A good story but missing some content and character development that would have filled the void.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great page turner but was disappointed in the ending, easy to read and very thought provoking.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating spin on old ideas and current social commentary about the nature/nurture debate. Maybe a touch heavy handed at times, but enjoyable nonetheless, especially in audio version.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

[Rosemary A Rabjohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's almost a 4 star, an interesting premis.

[Diana Farrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the concept, liked the story, but so so many poor metaphors and unnecessary description ("he frowned visibly" - is it possible to frown invisibly?!)

[Bookmuseuk]

Reading this insightful novel confirms the belief that winds of change may flow soft, but grow exceeding strong.

Holly Cave uses a vibrant narrative, graced by often lyrical prose and dramatic descriptions to tell this sobering tale of an imminently possible and desperately troubling future.

After Europe’s bankruptcy births the Takeover, a law is passed by the new-formed totalitarian government. Every newborn citizen is to be Tagged with a Birth Diagnosis; a Background, that will define its life. From that time on the child will be what the Tag says it will be. Tagged as gay, it will never be allowed to be anything other. Tagging – Humanity imprisoned in a genetic straight jacket.

But after a suicide bombing by a member of the Anti Genetics Movement, questions are sparked and acceptance of the status quo begins to waver.

The story develops through the depiction of disparate characters, seemingly unknown to each other but in actuality linked by threads only gradually revealed. As those threads emerge we learn the importance of scientist Elin Nagayama, teenage genius Marie, and the enigmatic Angie; how they hold the keys to the unravelling of a secret held by the State and hidden from the populace. But it’s not until the final pages do we understand how those links will influence the future.

This debut novel is a fabulous read, and I’ll be keeping a lookout for the author’s future offerings.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dystopian future, London 2052. Europe is bankrupt and a totalitarian Government is formed known as The State. Everyone is genetically mapped at birth and tagged. The State know the path of every individual's life, literally, but because of the mapping also their personality, career, criminal behaviour, sexuality, and health.

Freya and Kane find themselves caught up in a terrorist attack by a group opposed to genetic mapping and find things out about the system, and ultimately themselves, which will change them, and potentially the world they live in, forever.

I loved the premise, if you've read previous reviews of mine it'll be obvious i'm a fan of dystopian fiction. London was described so well, it's a London different to now, but not so different that it's impossible to imagine.

I listened on audiobook and wish I had have read it. I found the narrator slow and her reading style at times simply off putting. I was a little disappointed at the end, but don't know what I was expecting!

Definitely give it a go, but I'd recommend reading over listening.

[Phil Pauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, I really enjoyed it! Great read that I'd highly recommend.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Fast read. Interesting characters. A different take on the dystopian near future.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I'm crazy about dystopias right now, but this was so much more. This incredible novel captured the nature/nurture debate in an accessible, interesting manner that came together in the end and really made me think.