theguardian.com
Helm": A Novel Exploring the Intertwined Fates of Humanity and Nature
Sarah Hall's "Helm" is a novel narrated by a personified Cumbrian wind, whose story interweaves with human narratives across millennia, exploring the relationship between humanity and nature through historical events and environmental anxieties.
- What is the central theme of Sarah Hall's "Helm," and how does it reflect contemporary environmental concerns?
- In Sarah Hall's new novel, "Helm," the titular wind, unique to Cumbria, is personified and narrates its own story alongside interwoven human narratives spanning millennia. The novel's structure uses lists to detail the wind's varying intensities and the artifacts it collects, illustrating its impact on human history.
- How does the novel's structure, using lists and interwoven narratives, contribute to its exploration of the relationship between humans and nature?
- Hall's "Helm" connects historical events and human experiences to the power of nature, showcasing how human societies, from Neolithic tribes to modern-day scientists, have interacted with and perceived the wind. The novel highlights the cyclical nature of human attempts to control or understand nature, emphasizing both our resilience and our vulnerability.
- What are the potential long-term implications or interpretations of the wind's statement, 'Whatever is wrong...feels insidious, sneaky, infectious,' in the context of the novel's overarching themes?
- Helm" suggests a looming environmental crisis, as the wind's narration expresses an unsettling feeling of something 'wrong,' mirroring our current climate anxieties. The juxtaposition of historical events with the wind's changing behavior foreshadows potentially catastrophic climate consequences and the implications of humanity's impact on the environment.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The overwhelmingly positive framing of the book might overshadow potential weaknesses. The reviewer's extensive praise could be balanced with a more critical examination of certain aspects, such as the pacing or character development.
Language Bias
The language used is largely positive and effusive, using words like "virtuosic," "thrilling," and "vastly ambitious." While this conveys enthusiasm, it might be considered subjective and lack the neutrality of a purely objective review. More balanced vocabulary could improve objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the author's career and previous works, potentially omitting discussion of other relevant critical perspectives or analyses of the book itself. It might benefit from incorporating views from other critics or addressing potential counterarguments to the overwhelmingly positive assessment.
Sustainable Development Goals
The novel depicts a dystopian future where climate change has drastically altered the landscape, leading to extreme weather events and ecological damage. The narrative highlights the devastating consequences of climate change, including the potential for societal disruption and loss of life. The book serves as a warning about the urgency of addressing climate change.