Scythe

Scythe

Bibliography

Shusterman, N. 2016. SCYTHE. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781442472426

Plot Summary

Citra and Rowan are teenagers that are recruited to become Scythes, people that end the lives of others now that humanity has found immortality. They learn the true meaning of life and what is means to be human.

Critical Analysis

Scythe is the first book in a three part series from prolific author, Neal Shusterman. Two teenagers join a group of people that are tasked with ending the lives of other, which is because humans have learned the secret to immortality and can now live hundreds of years. This must happen to control the population. The characters of Citra and Rowan may be young, but they are wise beyond their years and must do things that no young child should be asked to do. They show courage despite fear, kindness and empathy, and a need to change what people are afraid too. These two teens can be seen as good role models and ones that readers can look up to and relate to.

Shusterman makes his readers contemplate what it means to take a life and what it means to live one. While some may believe that these kinds of topic might be too dark and daunting for young people, Shusterman shows that these lessons can be taught and should be taught. His world building can be compared to the likes of The Hunger Games, where children are put in situations that they should never have to face but very likely could. The author takes us back and forth from the plot into the minds of some of the characters through their journal writing, where they contemplate what they have been tasked to do and what it means to them and humanity. These existential ponderings will make readers think and contemplate their beliefs and views.

Scythe is a book like no other and is one that old and young should read and really think about. The messages and themes in this book will stay in mind long after you close the book.

Review Excerpts

2017 ALA Michael L. Printz Award

Booklist Starred Reviews: "Shusterman is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Scythe owes an obvious debt to Unwind (2007) and its sequels, and this succeeds as a sort of shadow companion to Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking trilogy: instead of exploring the ways in which men are monsters, this deals in what happens to men when there are no monsters. When our reach does not exceed our grasp, when comfort is more easily obtained than struggle, when our essential humanity doesn’t burn out but becomes slowly irrelevant, what becomes of us? Readers will find many things in these pages. Answers to such unsettling questions will not be among them"

Publishers Weekly Starred: "Calling to mind Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” Shusterman’s story forces readers to confront difficult ethical questions. Is the gleaning of a few acceptable if it maximizes the happiness of all? Is it possible to live a moral life within such a system? This powerful tale is guaranteed to make readers think deeply. Ages 12–up. Agent: Andrea Brown, Andrea Brown Literary."

Connections

Continue the series by Neal Shusterman: Thunderhead

                                                                  The Toll

More by Neal Shusterman: Unwind series

                                            Dry

                                            Challenger Deep

Activity: Imagine that you live in this universe and are asked to become a Scythe. Would you accept? Why or why not?