Review: Political Satire, Insect Style
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 7, 2011
Jonathan Gould's novella Flidderbugs presents us with two tribes of insets who co-exist on the same tree, but on different portions. Unlike the barbarian bugs  or the brutal colony/hive-insect monarchies of our world, these flidderbugs are enlightened. Even if they have some disparities between the two groups, they have a council and democratically elected leaders. They have important traditions. I mean, what more do you need to have a perfect society, right?My sarcasm matches the amusing subversive tone running through Flidderbugs. On the surface, this is simple tale, about a bug who challenges the status quo and in the process learns some important truths about his world. Really, though, this is an indictment of group think, self-inflicted ignorance, and the almost delusional arrogance that often accompanies the democratic process and attendant cultural institutions. As someone currently involved in academia, I found myself chortling at the story's skewering of ivory tower arrogance.Depending on how deeply one wants to read into certain things, they may or may not feel comfortable with some aspects of the allegory, but I'd argue that all good satire, at some level, should make someone uncomfortable. The overall tone, despite the bug's desperation, doesn't come as hostile despite the important themes being explored.To be clear, this is not some insect call for an anarchist revolt, but rather a challenge to the cynical corrupt nature of politics and its influence on society as delivered in an easily digestible tale enjoyable for all ages. Children will find the whimsical setting entertaining and, hopefully, learn a bit about critical thinking in the process of reading the tale. Adults, I think, can enjoy the satire for what is. Despite all the distrust on display toward political institutions and ideology throughout the novella, the resolution is rather idealistic (or maybe I'm just rather cynical).The writing itself is breezy and entertaining. As a novella, the story's a quick read. It's also well-paced. There are more than a few small misadventures as the protagobugs delve into the shadowy cracks of their world.There's no serious attempt to detail every aspect of the society, but there are enough elements introduced that you can find yourself believing in this unstable little insect republic. The various flidderbugs come to life with distinct personalities.If you're looking for a quick, fun political satire featuring anthropomorphic animals that doesn't leave you utterly depressed (i.e., isn't Orwell), check out Flidderbugs.Rating: 4 starsJ.A. BeardMy indie, my tea and me