Book Review: Jellyfish Dreaming by D.K. McCutchen
When I first stumbled upon Jellyfish Dreaming, the title alone stirred a sense of curiosity within me. Jellyfish—creatures often associated with both beauty and danger—seemed an apt metaphor for a narrative weaving together strands of climate, identity, and survival. Author D.K. McCutchen has crafted an intriguing tapestry that not only captures the imagination but also provokes deeply resonant questions about our world and humanity’s future.
Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic wasteland known as the Great Garbage Ocean, the story centers around Jack, a 200-year-old intersex street kid floating in a tank of poisonous jellyfish. As he navigates his memories of a world lost to environmental catastrophes, readers are drawn into an exploration of themes that felt both eerily current and hauntingly forward-thinking. The fact that Jack remembers things nobody else does—fragments of life before the crises—adds a layer of profound isolation and resilience, which I found especially poignant.
McCutchen’s deft storytelling is highlighted through immersive prose that captures the tension between the harsh realities of survival and the tender complexity of human relationships. Jack’s growing feelings for Joon, a tough yet tender “Warehouse kid,” beautifully illustrate the intertwined nature of love and danger. As their friendship develops amidst the chaos, it compelled me to reflect on the complexities of identity and connection.
One moment that stood out to me was when Jack muses, “In a world where everything is disposable, love becomes the rarest treasure.” This quote resonates deeply, revealing that even in despair, there exists an intrinsic hope that fuels our humanity. McCutchen’s lyrical style, paired with the novel’s pacing, keeps the reader not just engaged but also invested in Jack’s journey. The shifts between dialogue and introspection create a dynamic flow that mirrors the tumultuous world surrounding the characters.
Despite the heavy themes of climate change and societal collapse, McCutchen manages to inject a thread of hope throughout the narrative. Even as Jack and Joon face violent bigotry and external dangers, their story becomes a testament to the tenacity of life and the enduring spirit of love. It’s a sobering reminder that amidst chaos and uncertainty, relationships can provide solace and strength.
I wholeheartedly recommend Jellyfish Dreaming to readers who enjoy speculative fiction that challenges the norms of gender and humanity. Fans of authors like Octavia Butler or Nnedi Okorafor will find themselves right at home in McCutchen’s world. For those looking for a story that intertwines social commentary with pulsating intrigue, this book is not just a read; it’s an experience.
In closing, Jellyfish Dreaming left me reflective and invigorated. It challenged my understanding of survival and community, and I found myself pondering the true cost of love in a world that seems determined to strip it away. McCutchen’s narrative is a beacon of hope, reminding us that while the world may change dramatically, the essence of what makes us human remains, even if it’s nestled among jellyfish.
You can find Jellyfish Dreaming here >>