The Struggle In Shaun David Hutchinson's Novel 'We Are The Ants'
Shaun David Hutchinson’s novel We Are the Ants is a riveting story which draws attention to the everyday struggles people may face such as depression, grief, and bullying, acknowledges different perspectives to life and setbacks, and includes a little bit of mystery. Although the novel emphasises the importance of understanding that everyone is going through some sort of dilemma, the struggles facing the characters are exaggerated, which is why I rate this book an 8.5/10. The main character, Henry, is abducted by aliens on a sporadic basis, and is given the chance to save planet Earth from an upcoming catastrophe occurring on January 29, 2016 by pressing a red button on a spaceship. However, Henry is heavily bullied by those at his school,
his ex-boyfriend committed suicide just a few months prior from receiving the choice, he is no longer close to his best friend, his mother abuses drugs and alcohol, his father left his family, and his current boyfriend is embarrassed to be seen with him, abuses him and has attempted to rape him. Henry is heavily convinced to press the button, up until a new student named Diego, who is just as broken as Henry is, shows him a new perspective to life and his misfortunes, and begins introducing him to a new kind of hope and reasons as to why the world is worth saving. This novel includes a series of both miserable and exhilarating events that someone everyday is going through, which has readers curious throughout the whole book about Henry’s decision at the end. Hutchinson’s novel is not only a suspenseful read, but it also addresses several common modern day problems such as domestic abuse, rape, suicide, and depression, as well as portrays the immense impact it has on the victim, the oppressor, and friends and family of both. Hutchinson also recognizes and establishes that domestic abuse and rape are not the victim's fault, but the oppressors, which is still a heated issue, and also reminds readers that reporting assault is beneficial to the victim. In addition, this novel features a gay couple, which is a sexuality that is yet to be widely accepted by the majority. Because this novel is introducing a new and very powerful look at modern struggles, as well as taking steps to further establish a more inclusive society, many other students will enjoy this novel.
his ex-boyfriend committed suicide just a few months prior from receiving the choice, he is no longer close to his best friend, his mother abuses drugs and alcohol, his father left his family, and his current boyfriend is embarrassed to be seen with him, abuses him and has attempted to rape him. Henry is heavily convinced to press the button, up until a new student named Diego, who is just as broken as Henry is, shows him a new perspective to life and his misfortunes, and begins introducing him to a new kind of hope and reasons as to why the world is worth saving. This novel includes a series of both miserable and exhilarating events that someone everyday is going through, which has readers curious throughout the whole book about Henry’s decision at the end. Hutchinson’s novel is not only a suspenseful read, but it also addresses several common modern day problems such as domestic abuse, rape, suicide, and depression, as well as portrays the immense impact it has on the victim, the oppressor, and friends and family of both. Hutchinson also recognizes and establishes that domestic abuse and rape are not the victim's fault, but the oppressors, which is still a heated issue, and also reminds readers that reporting assault is beneficial to the victim. In addition, this novel features a gay couple, which is a sexuality that is yet to be widely accepted by the majority. Because this novel is introducing a new and very powerful look at modern struggles, as well as taking steps to further establish a more inclusive society, many other students will enjoy this novel.