The Measure by
Nikki Erlick
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
“Live your life like your string is short.” – Nikki Erlick
Holy guacamole! Speculative fiction at its finest. There is nothing about this book that isn’t outstanding.
One day everyone in the entire world receives a box with a string inside. The length of the string measures the length of your life. Where did the boxes come from? What is their purpose? Would you open yours?
The story follows eight characters who all make different choices. Their lives are creatively interwoven and each person’s narrative touches you in a different way. How do the strings affect the choices they make in their own lives? The years go by and string prophecy is fulfilled.
Globally, the fallout from the strings begins to be felt. The “shortstringers” become a marginalized group and a polarized world begins to form. The strings begin to dictate medical decisions, the economy, foreign policy, and relationships.
The novel is bittersweet. You’ll laugh, feel joy, cry, and think. It’s also kind of scary when comparing it to things going on in the real world today. It may be a bit anticlimactic for some, or even sappy, but it was perfect for me.
The writing is poetic and beautiful, and the characters are well developed. But the uniqueness of this book lies with it’s questions. An excellent choice for book groups. I cannot wait to discuss it with mine.
And of course, the phenomenal Julia Whelan makes this audiobook stellar. As always.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.