The Measure by Nikki Erlick

The Measure by Nikki Erlick is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that explores the impact of a world where everyone receives a box containing a string that predicts their lifespan. Despite its initially grim premise, the book ultimately delivers a positive and uplifting message that forces readers to reflect on their priorities and the most important things in life. The concept is both intriguing and unsettling, forcing readers to ask themselves the difficult question: would they want to know how long they have left to live?

If you do look inside the box, are you obligated to share what you find with others, including loved ones? And what rights do governments or potential employers have over your knowledge of your lifespan? Should dating apps require users to disclose their lifespan information? And should people even have children if they know they will die at a young age?

Through the journeys of eight characters and the people in their lives, Erlick expertly showcases a range of reactions to the strings, from scepticism and grief to joy and acceptance. The tension in the book is palpable as boxes are opened and emotions run high, with the fear and uncertainty of the future looming large.

As Erlick introduces us to the characters and their reactions to the mysterious boxes, we see a variety of philosophical questions arise. The fall out from one person looking at their partner’s box without permission raises questions about the violation of privacy and trust in relationships. But it also brings up broader questions about the ethics of knowledge and information.

These are just a few of the many thought-provoking questions raised by Erlick’s portrayal of the characters and their reactions to the boxes. The story presents a unique and realistic philosophical contemplation that encourages readers to think deeply about the implications of knowledge and information in our lives.

Through it all, Erlick deftly explores the impact of this new way of judging others on society as a whole. Readers are left questioning their own beliefs and values, as they confront the difficult ethical dilemmas presented by this dystopian world.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of prejudice and injustice, which is expertly woven into the narrative through the reactions of characters to their string lengths. Readers are forced to confront their own biases and beliefs as they follow the journeys of characters who are judged and marginalized based on their predicted lifespans.

Erlick’s storytelling skillfully weaves together the stories of eight individuals and the people in their lives, providing insight into the complex and varied reactions to this new reality. As tensions rise and divisions form based on string length, the consequences become increasingly dire, including protests, bombings, shootings, and attacks.

Despite its initially grim premise, The Measure by Nikki Erlick ultimately delivers a positive and hopeful message that forces readers to examine their priorities and the most important things in their lives. The book takes a philosophical approach to exploring the impact of the strings on recipients, showcasing a range of reactions from scepticism to grief, from sadness to despair and joy.

As the boxes are opened and the strings are revealed, the tension in the book is palpable, and readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as characters grapple with their newfound knowledge. Initially, a deep divide emerges between those with short and long strings, with dangerous implications, but the storytelling ebbs and flows before ultimately settling on a positive note.

I was honestly surprised to find out that this is a debut novel as it presents a unique and impressive blend of genres, including dystopian sci-fi, satire, and horror. The story contains a mix of inspiring and hopeful situations, as well as some that are almost unimaginable and even horrifying. The novel’s thought-provoking and intriguing nature is captured through the many ‘What If’s’ and ‘Why’s’ it presents.

The author’s creativity is evident throughout the book, and it sets it apart from other works in the genre. The novel’s ability to evoke strong emotions in the reader is also a testament to the author’s talent. However, the political aspects of the story may not have been as entertaining for some readers, leading to a loss of points in this area.

Furthermore, some readers may find this book to be a mixed bag. While the writing is well-crafted and the story is an easy and entertaining read, the lack of character development and the shallow exploration of the theme of oppression may leave some feeling underwhelmed. The magical realism elements may be intriguing to some, but others may find them unnecessary and distracting.

Overall, The Measure is an excellent exploration of the human condition and the ways in which we navigate the uncertainty of life. Through its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking themes, it forces readers to reflect on their own hopes and dreams, and to consider what truly matters most in life. While it may be a challenging read at times, it ultimately delivers a powerful and uplifting message that is sure to resonate with readers.