One-Line Summary:

Severance is a thought-provoking novel that combines elements of dystopian fiction and immigrant experience to explore themes of routine, identity, and the search for meaning in a world plagued by a deadly pandemic.

Introduction:

In Ling Ma’s debut novel, Severance, readers are transported into a world where a mysterious illness called Shen Fever has spread across the globe, turning people into mindless automatons who repeat their daily routines until they die. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Candace Chen, we witness her struggle for survival and her search for purpose amidst the chaos.

The Mundane Routine:

As the novel unfolds, it becomes apparent that routine plays a central role in the lives of the characters. Candace, an immigrant from China, works as a production coordinator for a Bible manufacturer in New York City. Her job involves overseeing the production of Bibles in a factory, a monotonous task that mirrors the repetitive nature of the Shen Fever victims’ lives. The author skillfully juxtaposes the banality of Candace’s routine with the impending doom of the pandemic, highlighting the absurdity of human existence and the futility of clinging to familiar patterns in the face of catastrophe.

The Immigrant Experience:

Severance also delves into the immigrant experience, exploring the complexities of identity and the longing for a sense of belonging. Candace, caught between her Chinese heritage and her American upbringing, grapples with feelings of displacement and cultural disconnection. As the world crumbles around her, she reflects on her family’s immigration to the United States and the sacrifices they made for a better life. Through Candace’s perspective, Ling Ma sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants in navigating their dual identities and finding their place in a society that often marginalizes them.

The Search for Meaning:

Amidst the chaos and devastation, Severance raises profound questions about the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness. As Candace embarks on a journey to find her family in the midst of the pandemic, she encounters a group of survivors who have formed a cult-like community called the “New Faith.” This group believes that the Shen Fever is a spiritual awakening, and they embrace the routine of their former lives as a form of salvation. Through this exploration of faith and purpose, the novel challenges readers to examine their own lives and consider what truly gives meaning to their existence.

Key Takeaways:

• Severance combines elements of dystopian fiction and immigrant experience to explore themes of routine, identity, and the search for meaning.
• The novel highlights the absurdity of clinging to routine in the face of catastrophe and the futility of familiar patterns.
• It delves into the complexities of the immigrant experience, exploring the challenges of dual identity and the longing for a sense of belonging.
• Severance raises profound questions about the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness, challenging readers to reflect on their own existence.

“The future was going to happen, even if you didn’t do anything about it.”

Conclusion:

Severance is a captivating novel that skillfully combines elements of dystopian fiction and immigrant experience to explore themes of routine, identity, and the search for meaning. Ling Ma’s thought-provoking narrative serves as a poignant reminder to examine our own lives and find purpose amidst the chaos. Whether it’s through the mundane routines we cling to or the search for a sense of belonging, Severance invites readers to reflect on what truly gives meaning to our existence.