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A review by rorikae
The Membranes by Chi Ta-wei
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
'The Membranes' by Chi Ta-wei is a fascinating and deeply introspective sci-fi novella set in a future where society lives under the sea.
The story centers on Momo, a young woman who works as a dermal care technician taking care of her clients skin. Estranged from her mother, Momo lives a very quiet and isolated life, working and occasionally interacting with people outside of work. Reflecting back on her childhood and a surgery that she went through at a young age, Momo looks at her own life and how she has gotten to this point. When her mother resurfaces in her life, hoping to get in contact and meet, Momo will have to decide if she wants to see her or if she will refuse the offer.
Wow, this is a fascinating book. Not only does Chi Ta-wei create a fascinating future where all of humanity lives underwater but he also has written a fascinating story that looks at gender, personhood, and more. Momo is a flawed but deeply human character and it is interesting to watch as she goes about her daily life while also reflecting back on the strange occurrences of her childhood. There are lingering questions and a strangeness to the novella that is answered quite concretely at the end. I also really appreciated that the version I read had an essay in the back that explored the themes of the novella, especially in the light of the time that it was written and other works. I think this would be perfect for a book club to discuss as there are some quite shocking elements and reveals that turn the story on its head while also asking the reader to look back and evaluate what they have read.
The story centers on Momo, a young woman who works as a dermal care technician taking care of her clients skin. Estranged from her mother, Momo lives a very quiet and isolated life, working and occasionally interacting with people outside of work. Reflecting back on her childhood and a surgery that she went through at a young age, Momo looks at her own life and how she has gotten to this point. When her mother resurfaces in her life, hoping to get in contact and meet, Momo will have to decide if she wants to see her or if she will refuse the offer.
Wow, this is a fascinating book. Not only does Chi Ta-wei create a fascinating future where all of humanity lives underwater but he also has written a fascinating story that looks at gender, personhood, and more. Momo is a flawed but deeply human character and it is interesting to watch as she goes about her daily life while also reflecting back on the strange occurrences of her childhood. There are lingering questions and a strangeness to the novella that is answered quite concretely at the end. I also really appreciated that the version I read had an essay in the back that explored the themes of the novella, especially in the light of the time that it was written and other works. I think this would be perfect for a book club to discuss as there are some quite shocking elements and reveals that turn the story on its head while also asking the reader to look back and evaluate what they have read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Pedophilia