The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
A review by nglofile
After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall by Nancy Kress
3.0
An intriguing structure that works the toggling-between-timelines better than most.
Examines the aftermath (year 2035) of a cataclysmic event through a tiny group of survivors literally encased in a structure of alien making. Were these same beings responsible for wiping out life on earth? If so, why later provide a means to go back to the time near-preceding it (2013-2014) to gather supplies and children(!) to help ensure the propagation of the species? The reveal near the end isn't all that shocking, in part due to the fact similar stories are not uncommon. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't carried successfully here; the problem lies more in the fact it was shown as something of a mic-drop, when it may have been better served in allowing ramifications to breathe and layer with increasing enlightenment.
One idea worth turning over is the possible fallacy of the biological imperative. Terrible damage is done in the interest of continuing the species at all costs, but why? Would the quality of life of the survivors have been vastly improved if they were allowed to make the best of the days they had? Rather wish this had been teased out more, but it may be a reader's perception rather than intent of the author.
Examines the aftermath (year 2035) of a cataclysmic event through a tiny group of survivors literally encased in a structure of alien making. Were these same beings responsible for wiping out life on earth? If so, why later provide a means to go back to the time near-preceding it (2013-2014) to gather supplies and children(!) to help ensure the propagation of the species? The reveal near the end isn't all that shocking, in part due to the fact similar stories are not uncommon. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't carried successfully here; the problem lies more in the fact it was shown as something of a mic-drop, when it may have been better served in allowing ramifications to breathe and layer with increasing enlightenment.
One idea worth turning over is the possible fallacy of the biological imperative. Terrible damage is done in the interest of continuing the species at all costs, but why? Would the quality of life of the survivors have been vastly improved if they were allowed to make the best of the days they had? Rather wish this had been teased out more, but it may be a reader's perception rather than intent of the author.