Book Review: Desuetude

Reviewed by Audrey Davis

An impactful first-hand account of change

Valerie Wiggins is an expert hunter in the year 2103. Well, maybe more of an exterminator. Technology and alternate reality have advanced to where they have become virtually unavoidable and civilization needs more room to grow and expand. 

Since the flora and fauna have evolved to become hostile toward humans, someone must be willing to “take care” of the those that stand in the way of progress. 

Unfortunately, as Valerie prefers to live against the grain in a non-digital reality, she is keenly aware of how things truly are—as natural spaces and creatures are disappearing, so too is the role of the hunter. New and always-improving devices, software updates, and regulations only seem to make her chosen lifestyle without this technology more difficult. A different path looms on the horizon for her, yet she struggles to keep up with the constant change in a world that can only recognize growth and change.

“He shook his head vigorously. ‘Oh no, the outdoors is unfit for farming. Too many variables, no constant light, not enough fertilizer in the soil, and don’t forget hostile critters.’”

Nicholas “Tac” Whitcomb offers an active, wonderfully intriguing story. Its short length and punchy narrative hold nothing back as Valerie guides us through effective yet glaring subtleties of present-day American society. The characterization feels authentic, and the reader is dropped into the story right away, in the middle of conflict, and explanations happily follow along without being asked. 

One would not expect a story this length to have such an extensive world built into it, but Whitcomb delivers a rich landscape through small windows like character interactions and offhand messages that the protagonist ignores as daily drivel. This also adds poignant, emotional highlights and gives smaller details room to shine, like Valerie saving fresh water from the places she travels. 

“The ruddy and furrowed bark of the ponderosas grew nearby. With a heavy heart I neared one. Its bark, which used to be more forgiving, was now covered in four-inch spikes that looked dangerous enough to go right through a glove.”

The story’s length and this attention to fine detail leaves no stone unturned—readers can tell how this world arrived at where it is and where it may be headed. Valerie’s first-person narration adds a new layer of her personal experiences and frustrations to the overall story, and at times it is difficult to tell where narrative descriptions end and Valerie’s personal musings begin. All of these combined make the story feel that much more plausible, as concerning as that may be. Readers may not be left with many questions looking forward, but this does not detract from the story’s contents—rather, because the reader has answers already, there is more room for excitement and anticipation. 

Though brief, this story is anything but small. Fans of dystopian works and sci-fi will devour this hearty piece, rife with detail and action. 

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