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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Severance summary
Brief summary
Severance by Ling Ma is a dystopian novel that follows the story of Candace Chen, a millennial working in a publishing company. As a deadly pandemic sweeps across the world, Candace joins a group of survivors on a journey that blurs the line between past and present.
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Severance
Summary of key ideas
Survival in a Post-Apocalyptic World
In Severance by Ling Ma, we are introduced to Candace Chen, a young woman who is living in a post-apocalyptic world. The world has been ravaged by a deadly fever called Shen Fever, which causes people to repeat the same actions over and over until they die. Candace, however, is immune to the fever and continues to survive in the abandoned city of New York. She keeps herself busy by working in a facility that packages Bibles and taking photographs of the deserted city for an art project.
As the novel progresses, Candace's routine begins to feel more and more meaningless. She is unable to shake off the feeling of isolation and desolation. Her only human contact is with a group of fevered people who are stuck in a loop, repeating the same tasks they did before they succumbed to the fever. The only thing that keeps her going is the hope of reuniting with her parents, who had returned to China before the outbreak of the fever.
Flashbacks to a Past Life
Interwoven with Candace's current struggle for survival are flashbacks to her life before the outbreak. We learn about her childhood in China, her family's move to America, her college years, and her first job in publishing. These flashbacks provide insight into Candace's character, her relationships, and the choices that led her to where she is now. We also see the signs of her discontent and disconnection with her life even before the outbreak of the fever.
Throughout the flashbacks, there is a recurring theme of monotony and routine. Candace's life is marked by a series of unfulfilling jobs and relationships. She seems to be going through the motions, never really living. It is in this context that her survival in the post-apocalyptic world takes on a deeper meaning. She is not just surviving the fever, but also the unexamined life she had been living before.
A Journey to the Facility
Candace's life takes a turn when a group of survivors, led by a man named Bob, discovers her in the city. They convince her to join them on a journey to a place called the Facility, a secure location where they believe they can start afresh and rebuild society. Despite her initial skepticism, Candace decides to go with them, partly out of a desire for human connection and partly out of a hope for a better future.
As they make their way to the Facility, the group encounters various challenges and dangers. Bob, who initially appears to be a benevolent leader, reveals himself to be manipulative and power-hungry. The group dynamics become increasingly tense, and Candace finds herself questioning her decision to leave the safety of her routine in the city.
The Unveiling of Truth
As the group reaches the Facility, the truth about Bob's intentions and the nature of the place is revealed. It becomes clear that the Facility is not the utopia they had imagined, but a prison where they are expected to work tirelessly for the rest of their lives. Candace realizes that she has been manipulated and that the only way to truly survive is to break free from the cycle of routine and control.
In a dramatic turn of events, Candace decides to leave the Facility and return to the city. She chooses to embrace the uncertainty and chaos of the world outside rather than submit to a life of meaningless labor. The novel ends with Candace setting out on her own, determined to live her life on her own terms, immune not just to the fever, but also to the societal expectations and constraints that had held her captive.
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What is Severance about?
Severance by Ling Ma is a thought-provoking novel that blends the genres of dystopian fiction and coming-of-age story. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly pandemic, the book follows the journey of a young woman named Candace Chen as she navigates the complexities of survival and self-discovery. With its unique narrative and compelling exploration of human resilience, Severance offers a fresh perspective on the apocalypse genre.
Severance Review
Severance by Ling Ma (2018) is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that blends the mundanity of office life with a post-apocalyptic world. Here's why this book is worth diving into:
- Offers a unique take on the usual apocalyptic narrative by intertwining the protagonist's past with her present struggle for survival.
- Examines themes of identity, routine, and consumerism in a fresh and compelling light, prompting reflection on our own societal values.
- Keeps readers engaged with its haunting atmosphere and subtle humor, ensuring an intriguing and immersive reading experience.
Who should read Severance?
Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction and post-apocalyptic settings
Those interested in exploring themes of isolation, routine, and the search for meaning in a modern world
People who appreciate a unique narrative style that blends dark humor with social commentary
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Book summaries like Severance
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Severance FAQs
What is the main message of Severance?
The main message of Severance is about survival and finding purpose in a post-apocalyptic world.
How long does it take to read Severance?
The estimated reading time for Severance is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Severance a good book? Is it worth reading?
Severance is worth reading for its unique storytelling and insight into humanity's response to crisis.
Who is the author of Severance?
The author of Severance is Ling Ma.
What to read after Severance?
If you're wondering what to read next after Severance, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Trust Me, I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz