Review for The Lesser of Evils, by Daniel Settanni
In The Lesser of Evil by Daniel Settanni, the world is beset by a drought that has left the remnants of human civilization struggling for water. In order to maintain any sense of normality, walls are erected to keep out uninhabitable lands; no one is safe from being abandoned. Our story follows Joss, a woman whose life crumbles the moment she, along with her husband Alex, are arrested for terrorism. She is then thrust into a world of familiar corruption, secrets, and danger, as she is suddenly forced to see that not everything is as it seems, and that even the purest of intentions can still pave a road to humanity’s hell.
I was enthralled by how Settanni displays both the simplicities and complexities of moralities within this world. He introduces Joss as a young woman who has many hopes and dreams for the world. She also possesses a sense of justice that somehow miraculous had not been tainted. Her mother Lana, on the other hand, doesn’t have that; due to her position as a government official, along with the one responsible for building the walls, it’s clear that her morals have eroded to the point where she has deluded herself into believing she is doing everything for the greater good. It was interesting how Joss’s development parallels with Lana’s, so much so that it’s eerie.
What’s more, the book also deals with ideas such as the end of humanity, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to do what might not even be right. These ideas are similar to the conflicts the world in going through; politicians endeavoring to calm their citizens, all the while trying to demonstrate their position in authority; disgruntled protestors who feel like their voices have been silenced; terrorists who may not even be terrorists. Through both Joss and Lana, the book makes an important connection between what we perceive to be, and what actually is. The book does a good job of showing the real world problems that afflict us, and though the end might not come in the form of a drought or a virus, the psychological effects are still just the same, the instability just as damaging.
Personally, I’d prefer if the book had clearer transitions fromone scene to the next. It confused me when the moments change almost instantaneously, so much so I’d have to go back and pinpoint where the scene switches. There were also places where the points of view needed to be separated so that it aligned with the book’s format; one perspective per section. Complex characters, such as Victor and Harris, would need to be given more of an introduction. Although they are already good additions to the plot, I wish that Settanni would bring more of their pasts into the storyline, and show how those unresolved problems affect their decisions involving Joss and her mother.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of 3.4/5 stars. While Settanni executes themes of morality in an incredibly efficient manner, the characters could also add more to the already complex plot, creating a more intricate, haunting story. There was also more than one scene where the word building be more utilized; the setting should show the reader what it’s like to live in a post-apocalyptic world, not just tell the. However, despite this I did enjoy the book, and would recommend it for adrenaline junkies, fans of action thrillers, and politicians who may need a reminder as to what sacrifice really does look like.
