Review: Surprise find
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 23, 2013
"Electronic Gags" by Kudakwashe Muzira is an intriguing futuristic science fiction thriller although neither times nor technology are far ahead from now.Set in a totalitarian USA governed by a military dictator the book sets a grim future of oppression and state control. Reminiscent of 1984 and great political thrillers we focus on two unlikely heroes. Biologist Freddie is the only person escaping a police raid on their secret rebel meeting while hist best friend Michael is put on death row.In the mean time the government issues electronic gag devices to exert even more control over its citizens, which leads to a very depressing and bleak looking future for our heroes.What follows is however far more pleasant than would be expected. Muzira manages to see through the action packed thriller part of the plot but without going over the top and turning his young heroes into supermen. With the use of their own talents Freddie and some friends of his try to save their friend and the nation from the oppressing dictator's rule.I loved that Freddie was overweight and a bit of a nerd, but when forced to survive in the wild his skills suddenly come up trumps. It makes the characters much more real and relate-able and the book incredibly engaging. Those scenes were definitely my favourites, while others probably will prefer the imaginative technological creations and well paced action sequences of the book.Besides the rather inventive electronic gadget of the title that the author introduces, and the technological and tactical struggle between the government and the resistance, there is also a deeper personal and psychological side to the conflict.It felt as if Muzira sends a message to his readers that however hard governments try to break the spirit of their people, it is imperative to resist. Given the threat from terrorism and the many governmental attempts to gain more legal rights to get a grip on it this book adds some food for thought to this discussion.This is a great and understated thriller with much originality, some satirical humour and very likeable characters.A great find amongst its peers in the genre.