Disclosure: I received this book to review. The opinions shared here are 100% mine.
It’s hard to find a novel that’s high-interest for kids yet doesn’t contain scenes dripping with PG-13 material. The Lens and The Looker is the first in a futuristic new trilogy that’s set in medieval Italy. How can that be, you ask? The characters in the book are from the 24th century but are whisked back in time to the 14th century. Although they think that it’s all a game, the teens soon find out that they are the ones being played.
There were many features of The Lens and the Looker that I enjoyed. There is much to be pondered throughout this book; the historical references make it an excellent backdrop for a novel study. Even small details like the first heading entitled “2347 C.E.” make this book relatable to a social studies class. Political debates could be staged using the themes in the book. Is it acceptable for the government to limit population growth? Are human actions accelerating the changes taking place on the earth? Although we consider ourselves to be technologically advanced, how will the 21st century be viewed three hundred years from now? If you’re looking for a book to read with your class at the end of the school year, this might be a good choice.
The only complaints I had about the book were picky ones. First, it was difficult to keep up with the characters’ names as they changed during their History Camp experience. The change in Hansum’s attitude was striking, as he went from obnoxious teenager mode to responsible apprentice. I wasn’t expecting the difference to be so sudden; it didn’t seem realistic. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next in the Verona trilogy.
Thanks so very much for your insightful review of THE LENS AND THE LOOKER, Dede. You saw right through me when you said it would be a good book for high school students. I’ve wanted to be a writer of future fiction since I read LORD OF THE FLIES as a teenage student, and the books I envisaged writing were being read by students. That’s why I included in them allusions to Shakespeare, environmentalism, population studies, etc. . Of course, a futuristic story taking place in the past wouldn’t be complete without a mixture of artificial intelligences and sword fights. Thanks again. I look forward to your future reviews. Cheers, Lory Kaufman
PS: I’m always happy to make myself available to Skype or Google Chat talks with students in a classroom.
I like the idea of a clean book that brings thought provoking questions. Sounds like a good read for many. And maybe it will be a bridging point that gets you and your teen talking.