A review by mikekaz
Billy and the Cloneasaurus by Stephen Kozeniewski, Steve Rimpici
5.0
While the title might seem silly and the story starts off light, this book really touches on several topics and does so in an intelligent manner. It really is a deeper satire on life than I expected. Hell, I was expecting some fun entertainment similar to Kozeniewski's BRAINEATER JONES; instead I got some fun entertainment with a commentary and emotion.
William 790-6 (57th iteration) is a clone; one of the billions of clones that make up the population of Earth. All identical. All following the same patterns of life. Normally on a William's first year anniversary of their birth, they are recycled back into the system so that the next iteration can come along. Due to a freak set of circumstances, William 790-6 (57th iteration) survives while the 58th iteration is recycled. The 57th iteration starts to learn and grow. He begins to question his life and want more. He questions his job and the futility it provides. And then he discovers a windmill with some occupants who encourage his growth. Occupants who want more from him and which he is happy to provide.
As I mentioned above, the story starts off light and comical. In addition to the freak events that allow the 57th iteration to live being humorous, the simple logistics of every character being named William is pretty fun. But as I kept reading, the satire elements crept in. Here was someone of the world that simply wanted to be an individual, to be special, to not be one of the mindless masses. And isn't that what most of us want? To feel special and unique. Here was someone who questioned why everyone acted the same even if it ended up with negative effects. For example, everyone leaving work at the same time just to sit in traffic when leaving 20 minutes later would avoid the problem. And isn't that what most of us think? That if everyone was logical instead of a mindless drone, that things would work better. And then William 790-6 (57th iteration) questions the company where he works and the crass consumerism that it creates. Again, something most of us have probably wondered as we yearn for that electric car, Dyson fan, newest iPhone, or whatever object of the moment is cool. And finally, the ending. I'm not sure if satires usually end in this manner but the ending is where I was slapped in the face that this is still a horror story. A horror story where a happy ending was never guaranteed. Any time that you feel liked you were slapped in the face by a book, you know that it had an impact. It touched something inside. You want others to feel that impact too. So, go out, buy and read this book. Revel in being an individual. If everybody ends up buying and reading the book, then at least you can feel secure in knowing that you are the 1st iteration.
William 790-6 (57th iteration) is a clone; one of the billions of clones that make up the population of Earth. All identical. All following the same patterns of life. Normally on a William's first year anniversary of their birth, they are recycled back into the system so that the next iteration can come along. Due to a freak set of circumstances, William 790-6 (57th iteration) survives while the 58th iteration is recycled. The 57th iteration starts to learn and grow. He begins to question his life and want more. He questions his job and the futility it provides. And then he discovers a windmill with some occupants who encourage his growth. Occupants who want more from him and which he is happy to provide.
As I mentioned above, the story starts off light and comical. In addition to the freak events that allow the 57th iteration to live being humorous, the simple logistics of every character being named William is pretty fun. But as I kept reading, the satire elements crept in. Here was someone of the world that simply wanted to be an individual, to be special, to not be one of the mindless masses. And isn't that what most of us want? To feel special and unique. Here was someone who questioned why everyone acted the same even if it ended up with negative effects. For example, everyone leaving work at the same time just to sit in traffic when leaving 20 minutes later would avoid the problem. And isn't that what most of us think? That if everyone was logical instead of a mindless drone, that things would work better. And then William 790-6 (57th iteration) questions the company where he works and the crass consumerism that it creates. Again, something most of us have probably wondered as we yearn for that electric car, Dyson fan, newest iPhone, or whatever object of the moment is cool. And finally, the ending. I'm not sure if satires usually end in this manner but the ending is where I was slapped in the face that this is still a horror story. A horror story where a happy ending was never guaranteed. Any time that you feel liked you were slapped in the face by a book, you know that it had an impact. It touched something inside. You want others to feel that impact too. So, go out, buy and read this book. Revel in being an individual. If everybody ends up buying and reading the book, then at least you can feel secure in knowing that you are the 1st iteration.