Posted by Lauren in Book Reviews, Featured, Sci fi | 9 Comments
Beta by Rachel Cohn
Beta by Rachel Cohn
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Release date: October 16, 2012
Pages: 304
Summary: Elysia is a clone built to serve the wealthy residents of Demesne, an island of luxury. Elysia is supposed to be a blank slate, but she finds herself remembering things that she’s never experienced—things the person she was molded after experienced. Elysia needs to keep this quiet, because any abnormalities could lead to deactivation.
My thoughts: First of all, how weird is to read a Rachel Cohn book that isn’t realistic fiction? I loved Cohn’s quirky style as a younger teen, so I was ecstatic to see that she would be trying her hand at sci-fi. Cohn definitely brings something new to the table, writing through the demure perspective of a clone learning to feel her way through life.
Elysia’s narration initially comes across as rather bland, which I can see being a disappointment for some readers, but I actually admired Cohn’s dedication to the style of writing. It can’t be easy to write from a perspective devoid of emotion. Elysia eventually begins to evolve—she slowly becomes more emotional—but I actually enjoyed the earlier chapters more because of her blankness.
Despite the uniqueness of the premise, and despite my enjoyment of the writing style, I found it difficult to pick Beta back up after setting it down. To me, a good book will occupy your thoughts when you’re away from it, and Beta didn’t do that. Because of this, it took me a solid week to finish the book, and it isn’t a very big one. I’m not sure what Cohn could have done to make the story more engaging—perhaps more tension between characters, more suspense in the plot—but it just never grabbed me.
3/5 stars
For those who like: sci-fi, minimalist writing
Find the author at rachelcohn.com.
Comment question: What are your thoughts on clones as protagonists? Weird/not weird?
I think clones can be awesome narrators, especially when it’s a great unique concept like Rachel Cohn’s.
The thing is, I’d like to see the clones have emotion, care, love others – otherwise then why care for her. I’m glad that in this one she does develop emotions. It’s interesting you enjoyed the earlier emotionless style – is it because it’s so unusual?
Great review and the cover is gorgeous:)
This sounds interesting, but I have been seeing a lot of not so great reviews for it. I am not a big sci-fi reader and I don’t know that the whole clone as a protagonist would work for me. I really need to connect with a character to enjoy a book unless the storyline is totally mind blowing. I wouldn’t be able to connect with an emotionless character. I think the concept is cool, but not something I would enjoy.
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I think Clones can be great narrators! Just has to be the right story. But I honestly do not think I have read a book yet with a clone!
I need to pick up this or Lost Girl ( I believe that is another one with a clone? Could be wrong..)
Thanks for the review :)
Wonderful review, Lauren! I’m glad you enjoyed this one, although sorry to hear you didn’t love it. I have yet to read a Rachel Cohn novel – I haven’t even read her co-authored works with David Levithan – so I need to check out her writing style soon! In terms of clones, I looooved The Lost Girl, which is one of my favorite books EVER. I think the perspective of a clone is very unique and provides something different to the standard dystopian genre, but it has to be well-written. I haven’t read too many clone-narrated novels though, so I can’t say for sure if I like them or not! ;)
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I’ve never read any books about clones. I can imagine them as protagonists. I kind of like the idea of growth from non-emotional to emotional.
I like reading books with Clones as protagonists. I find it interesting to learn if the clone has their own thoughts and feelings. It is a little weird, but I think it makes for a good story!!!
i think the ideas of clones are interesting because they usually come from a place of non/less emotion and then evolve into more emotional beings. and then there are always the questions about whether or not they have souls, etc. it’s just an interesting discussion.
sorry to hear that you didn’t love this one. i am actually going to see rachel tomorrow at b&n and wasn’t sure if i want to pick this one up. i might opt for one of the levithan/cohn books instead.
thanks for the review!
fishgirl182 recently posted..The Siren – Review
I’ve heard that before – that “Beta” lacked the ability to grab you and hold you, but that it was a good book overall. I’m so bummed – but I’ve also heard that it’s brilliant so I just need to pick it up and see for myself. Great review!!
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I personally felt this was one of the best YA books I’ve read this year.