Module 8: Incarceron

Book Summary:

This book is set in a world that is the world of the future, yet is stuck in the past. While they have very advanced technology, they have reverted to what sounds like 19th-century styles of living and dress. They are required by law to keep up the appearance of what is called “Era” authenticity. Technology, if used, must be kept hidden. Many years ago, a prison called Incarceron had been created to house the worst criminals. There was supposedly no way in or out of Incarceron, and it was its own world. The story is told from the perspective of two different characters: Claudia, the daughter of the warden of Incarceron, who lives in the normal world, and Finn, who is inside Incarceron and does not know anything about his own past. Claudia and Finn begin communicating with each other through the use of a pair of keys, as Finn works his way through Incarceron trying to find a way out. Claudia thinks that Finn is actually the heir to the throne, hidden away in Incarceron to make way for the next in line. She tries to help him escape, and in the end they actually do find a way to get him out of Incarceron.

APA reference:

Fisher, C. (2007). Incarceron. New York: Dial Books.

My impressions:

This was a very enjoyable book. I liked the way the author switched back and forth from the points of view of Claudia and Finn. It was interesting the way more and more of the backstory was gradually revealed throughout the story, although the mystery was still not completely solved at the end. One of the things I liked about this book was the author’s skillful creation of a completely new world. The idea of a world with advanced technology that is forces to remain stuck in the past is one I have not seen before. Incarceron itself is a whole world as well. The biggest shock was in the end, when it was revealed just where and what Incarceron actually is. The characterizations were very nicely done. From the beginning the reader feels that Finn is out of his element, a good man trying to make his way in very tough circumstances where people are rewarded more for bad behavior than good. Claudia immediately is understood to be a very strong character, with no intention of letting people push her around even if she has to appear that way on the outside. The thing I was most disappointed in was how much was left unresolved at the end. While I know there is a sequel to this book that will likely explain most or all of it, I still like for a book to wrap up a little more neatly at the end. This felt like only half of the story. It was a good read, though, and I fully intend to read the second book, Sapphique, as soon as I can.

Professional Review:

Brooks-Reese, K. (2010, February). Incarceron. [A review of the book Incarceron, by C. Fisher.]. School Library Journal 56(2), p. 110. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/

 

Finn is a denizen of Incarceron, a sentient prison in which generations of inmates struggle and fight for survival. Finn, however, is certain he comes from somewhere else. A strange tattoo and vague memories have convinced him that he comes from Outside. Claudia is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron. Technology has been outlawed and society returned to a feudal time replete with rules, including arranged marriages. When the Queen and Claudia's father conspire to have her impending marriage to the heir moved forward, Claudia vows to do whatever it takes to avoid her fate. Finn and Claudia both acquire mysterious crystal keys that allow them to communicate, and. it begins to be clear that each may be the other's way out. On the surface, Incarceron is a fast-paced if dense adventure that pits Finn against the prison and his fellow prisoners and Claudia against her father, her fiancé, and her society. If that were all, it would be a truly excellent fantasy novel. By delving into the philosophy of imprisonment and the development of society; discussing how history informs the present; and exploring self-awareness and sentience in nonhuman characters, Incarceron becomes something of a tour de force. The history of both Incarceron and Era are explored through excerpts from imagined legends and archival documents at the start of each chapter. The novel's length and complex plot may be daunting to some, but fans of steampunk and epic fantasy alike will be anxiously flipping pages and awaiting the sequel, already released in the U.K.Karen E. Brooks-Reese, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA

Library Uses:

This book could be featured in a display of Fantasy/Science Fiction books—it really fits with either genre. It is actually more of a “crossover” book, and perhaps could be featured with other similar books. It could also be used as a book club book in a group of high school aged readers. There are a lot of things in this book that could be used as discussion points, and I think it is a book that a lot of young people would enjoy reading and discussing.