Around 2030 people stopped dying. A genetic variant gone wild, called the Methuselah gene has now gone viral, wreaking havoc on the Earth's resources. The world is now divided between those within a normal lifespan and the Lifers, or ultra aged. A man now known only by Zinn who helped to create Methuselah is on the run, chased by CIA biowarfare specialist and fellow Lifer, Adele. Adele is looking for a cure; however, some of Adele's old friends and political operatives, Dan and Marion, are actively fighting for Lifers rights. Meanwhile, Dan and Marion's son, Nolan, has created a drug that will kill the recipient one year after they finish the dose and their granddaughter, Claire is working for the President to actively solve the problem of the Lifer situation.
Lifers is an intriguing and thought provoking speculative fiction mixed with political thriller. Lifers brings up many topical issues such as resource use, ageism, and the generational divide. The point of view switches between Dan, Marion, Adele, Zinn, Nolan and Claire, giving a well rounded view of how Methuselah is affecting different groups of people. Resources dried up, and some of the Boomer generation only got richer while others are out on the street. Medical care for the aging is in stress despite medical advancements. Social Security no longer exists. Housing is in crisis. Some of the ultra-aged are enjoying their extra years, finding peace, meaning and continued learning and growth. The younger population is finding it difficult to secure housing and making decisions to not have children. The clash between the Lifers and the non-Methuselah infected government was thought provoking; obviously there were problems that needed to be solved, but prejudices seemed to prevail as the solution was to make Lifers want to kill themselves off for the greater good while the Lifers just wanted to be allowed to live. There seemed to be no good solution and I found myself seeing the logic in both sides of the argument. As the two factions come to a head, regrettable decisions are made, but Marion and Claire, grandmother and granddaughter arise with a solution.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Lifers is an intriguing and thought provoking speculative fiction mixed with political thriller. Lifers brings up many topical issues such as resource use, ageism, and the generational divide. The point of view switches between Dan, Marion, Adele, Zinn, Nolan and Claire, giving a well rounded view of how Methuselah is affecting different groups of people. Resources dried up, and some of the Boomer generation only got richer while others are out on the street. Medical care for the aging is in stress despite medical advancements. Social Security no longer exists. Housing is in crisis. Some of the ultra-aged are enjoying their extra years, finding peace, meaning and continued learning and growth. The younger population is finding it difficult to secure housing and making decisions to not have children. The clash between the Lifers and the non-Methuselah infected government was thought provoking; obviously there were problems that needed to be solved, but prejudices seemed to prevail as the solution was to make Lifers want to kill themselves off for the greater good while the Lifers just wanted to be allowed to live. There seemed to be no good solution and I found myself seeing the logic in both sides of the argument. As the two factions come to a head, regrettable decisions are made, but Marion and Claire, grandmother and granddaughter arise with a solution.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
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