Eva
Peter Dickinson
Macmillan Children's Books
249p pbk
0-330-48384-6
When Eva first wakens from her long coma, she sees the world through new eyes- a chimpanzees eyes. Eva is the first person to have a new procedure where her intelligence and memories are implanted into a chimpanzees brain. Eva struggles to accept the new body. She copes because of her childhood interaction with chimps. The story exposes her internal struggle for self-acceptance.
Science fiction, with a hint of realism, adds another dimension to the story. Eva is a thought provoking book for high school students, and may also be enjoyed by older readers. It makes the reader think about the consequences of his actions. It questions our effect on the environment, and questions the influences science and technology have on how we think and behave.
This book has an excellent storyline, but it took too long to progress to the underlying point of the story. The style of writing sometimes makes it hard to distinguish between the narrator and Evas own thoughts. However, the chapter introductions enabled the reader to adjust to the drawn-out time frame and Evas moods.
All in all Eva a good read, but you do need to look beyond the text and to find an underlying message that makes you fully appreciate the story. The book is best read in a comfy chair by yourself, but you will need to persevere until you reach the intriguing parts.
Jessica, aged 14, Canberra, ACT
