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Peter's Reviews > This Perfect Day
This Perfect Day
by
by
Reckoning
Written in 1969, this dystopian classic from Ira Levin delves into the social science curiosity of political/social structure and population subservience. In a totalitarian society with mass surveillance, mandatory drug treatments, and complete control of everyone's job, pastime, partner, friends and lifespan, a central intelligence system called Uni, is all powerful.
Chip is the main protagonist, his nameber (not misspelt) is Li RM35M4419, and since the great Unification everyone is part of The Family, and their world does not know aggression, sadness, regret, hatred, greed, and poverty. Their lives, however, do not experience curiosity, choice, love, or freedom, and if there are signs that any of these emotions or thoughts exist, the monthly Treatment will likely irradicate them through higher drug doses or a few more potent drugs to bring members back into line. The relaxed and uninhibited nature of reporting on colleagues, family, and friends was unsettling and considered the duty to help treat a sickness. Through this process, Chip starts to feel guilt over the information he already provided about others and starts to withhold information from his advisor.
Chip works in the Institute of Genetic Engineering and we realise from the appearance of members of the Family that gradually the physical appearance of all the World’s races are slowly being genetically consolidated. He works as a genetic taxonomist, has his treatments once per month, performs dispassionate sex on a Saturday, communicates regularly with his advisor, and visits his parents twice per year. He notices himself becoming more creative and questioning in the last few days before his monthly treatments but when he returns after treatment he is once again a compliant member of the Family and can put the previous few day’s ‘sickness’ behind him.
Chip is approached by a group of free thinkers who explain how he can fool the system and become free to think throughout the month and do things beyond what is deemed acceptable. The more Chip learns, the more he wants to know and he explores ways of escaping or overcoming the control of Uni. Some people are ‘incurable’ and it is believed they live on Islands remote from The Family.
This Perfect Day is an allegory illustrating that peace and security in life are possible if we forego, choice, privacy, individuality, and the capacity to create, imagine and love in all its different ways. The worst in our human nature may well lead us on a path to destruction and we can ruminate whether the ultimate price of compliance to Uni, is a price worth paying. There is, however, something in our nature that fervently refuses to consciously give up Our Freeeeeeeeeeeedom (as William Wallace would say).
Ira Levin’s novel is a profound book that explores what we understand by the individual and its uniqueness, and how totalitarian regimes exert control and diminish the individual. It seems as we look at the World today, that while we seem incapable of securing all the requirements of how politics and society should behave for equal rights and opportunity, but we need to treasure the aspects that mean most. This was a Buddy read with Julie. Her insights and discussion proved invaluable in fully appreciating this novel, not only because of its philosophical nature but also because it is an entertaining story with adventure, drama, relationships, and interesting characters. I would highly recommend this book and also thank Julie for her patience and discussion.
Written in 1969, this dystopian classic from Ira Levin delves into the social science curiosity of political/social structure and population subservience. In a totalitarian society with mass surveillance, mandatory drug treatments, and complete control of everyone's job, pastime, partner, friends and lifespan, a central intelligence system called Uni, is all powerful.
Chip is the main protagonist, his nameber (not misspelt) is Li RM35M4419, and since the great Unification everyone is part of The Family, and their world does not know aggression, sadness, regret, hatred, greed, and poverty. Their lives, however, do not experience curiosity, choice, love, or freedom, and if there are signs that any of these emotions or thoughts exist, the monthly Treatment will likely irradicate them through higher drug doses or a few more potent drugs to bring members back into line. The relaxed and uninhibited nature of reporting on colleagues, family, and friends was unsettling and considered the duty to help treat a sickness. Through this process, Chip starts to feel guilt over the information he already provided about others and starts to withhold information from his advisor.
Chip works in the Institute of Genetic Engineering and we realise from the appearance of members of the Family that gradually the physical appearance of all the World’s races are slowly being genetically consolidated. He works as a genetic taxonomist, has his treatments once per month, performs dispassionate sex on a Saturday, communicates regularly with his advisor, and visits his parents twice per year. He notices himself becoming more creative and questioning in the last few days before his monthly treatments but when he returns after treatment he is once again a compliant member of the Family and can put the previous few day’s ‘sickness’ behind him.
Chip is approached by a group of free thinkers who explain how he can fool the system and become free to think throughout the month and do things beyond what is deemed acceptable. The more Chip learns, the more he wants to know and he explores ways of escaping or overcoming the control of Uni. Some people are ‘incurable’ and it is believed they live on Islands remote from The Family.
This Perfect Day is an allegory illustrating that peace and security in life are possible if we forego, choice, privacy, individuality, and the capacity to create, imagine and love in all its different ways. The worst in our human nature may well lead us on a path to destruction and we can ruminate whether the ultimate price of compliance to Uni, is a price worth paying. There is, however, something in our nature that fervently refuses to consciously give up Our Freeeeeeeeeeeedom (as William Wallace would say).
Ira Levin’s novel is a profound book that explores what we understand by the individual and its uniqueness, and how totalitarian regimes exert control and diminish the individual. It seems as we look at the World today, that while we seem incapable of securing all the requirements of how politics and society should behave for equal rights and opportunity, but we need to treasure the aspects that mean most. This was a Buddy read with Julie. Her insights and discussion proved invaluable in fully appreciating this novel, not only because of its philosophical nature but also because it is an entertaining story with adventure, drama, relationships, and interesting characters. I would highly recommend this book and also thank Julie for her patience and discussion.
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Reading Progress
May 4, 2021
–
Started Reading
May 4, 2021
– Shelved as:
to-read
May 4, 2021
– Shelved
June 7, 2021
– Shelved as:
dystopian
June 7, 2021
– Shelved as:
buddy-read
June 8, 2021
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 61 (61 new)
message 1:
by
Pat
(new)
Jun 08, 2021 04:06AM
Hmm, it sounds like.... best not say! I’ll wait for your full review.
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Pat (not getting friend updates currently) wrote: "Hmm, it sounds like.... best not say! I’ll wait for your full review."
Okay, what were you going to say, Pat 😉. But I think you're right - how easy can you establish a cult and have them follow blindly, almost like they're drugged?
Okay, what were you going to say, Pat 😉. But I think you're right - how easy can you establish a cult and have them follow blindly, almost like they're drugged?
Anni wrote: "WOW - how prescient is that!"
I know, scary really. Are we so predictable, and are we just lemmings? It's a great read.
I know, scary really. Are we so predictable, and are we just lemmings? It's a great read.
Michael wrote: "Fantastic review, Peter! It sounds like there was a lot of good discussion with this one."
Thank you very much, Michael - quite deep and reflective. Julie is great to read with.
Thank you very much, Michael - quite deep and reflective. Julie is great to read with.
Jayme wrote: "Sounds like a great buddy read! Terrific review! 💕"
It was Jayme, the sort of book that is great to do a Buddy read with. Thanks for your kind comment.
It was Jayme, the sort of book that is great to do a Buddy read with. Thanks for your kind comment.
Excellent review, Peter! It's amazing that this dystopian story written so many years ago is still relevant today! So glad to see you thoroughly enjoyed! :)
Sounds like a perfect book for a buddy read. Excellent review Peter, of a book that has stood the test of time.
Yun wrote: "Excellent review, Peter! It's amazing that this dystopian story written so many years ago is still relevant today! So glad to see you thoroughly enjoyed! :)"
Several of these authors were really clued in and this competition between democracy and totalitarianism is so real - never mind big brother watching through social media etc. Thank you very much for your kind comment, Yun.
Several of these authors were really clued in and this competition between democracy and totalitarianism is so real - never mind big brother watching through social media etc. Thank you very much for your kind comment, Yun.
JanB wrote: "Sounds like a perfect book for a buddy read. Excellent review Peter, of a book that has stood the test of time."
Spot on with both points Jan. It is scary how a dystopian novel from over 50 years ago actually feels closer to being real. Yeah great Buddy read. Thanks for your kind comment.
Spot on with both points Jan. It is scary how a dystopian novel from over 50 years ago actually feels closer to being real. Yeah great Buddy read. Thanks for your kind comment.
Fantastic review, Peter! This sounds like a very powerful read. I am glad you got a lot out of this book and your buddy reading experience!
In its own way, this sounds like it may be the scariest of all Levin's offerings. Terrific review, Peter.
Insightful review, Peter! It's frightening to think a book that was written the year I was born could be equally relevant and timeless 52 years later. Humans seem to never learn.
I remember my high school psychology teacher talking about this book in 1973. I had forgotten it. Time to read it myself.
Meredith wrote: "Fantastic review, Peter! This sounds like a very powerful read. I am glad you got a lot out of this book and your buddy reading experience!"
Thank you very much Meredith. Yeah, it was powerful and profound.
Thank you very much Meredith. Yeah, it was powerful and profound.
Zoeytron wrote: "In its own way, this sounds like it may be the scariest of all Levin's offerings. Terrific review, Peter."
Yes because of its scope and searching questions of what we face today. Thank you very much for your kind comment ZT.
Yes because of its scope and searching questions of what we face today. Thank you very much for your kind comment ZT.
Margaret Mary wrote: "Fab review, Peter and a scary thought that it may be closer than we think."
Thank you very much, Margaret Mary and yes very prescient.
Thank you very much, Margaret Mary and yes very prescient.
Kat wrote: "Insightful review, Peter! It's frightening to think a book that was written the year I was born could be equally relevant and timeless 52 years later. Humans seem to never learn."
We don't seem to learn, Kat and in fact, we mainly seem to be getting worse. A wonderful book to read and still relevant. Thanks for your kind words.
We don't seem to learn, Kat and in fact, we mainly seem to be getting worse. A wonderful book to read and still relevant. Thanks for your kind words.
Ann-Marie wrote: "I remember my high school psychology teacher talking about this book in 1973. I had forgotten it. Time to read it myself."
Well worth a read Ann-Marie and it will bring you back to your high-school days. I hope you enjoy it and I'd love to read what you think about it.
Well worth a read Ann-Marie and it will bring you back to your high-school days. I hope you enjoy it and I'd love to read what you think about it.
MM Suarez wrote: "Ok I'm sold!"
I hope you enjoy it MM and I look forward to reading your review. Thanks!!
I hope you enjoy it MM and I look forward to reading your review. Thanks!!
Sue wrote: "Your review makes me want to read it. thanks Peter.."
Sue, that is very kind of you and I can highly recommend it. I felt in the mood for a dystopian type read and it fitted perfectly.
Sue, that is very kind of you and I can highly recommend it. I felt in the mood for a dystopian type read and it fitted perfectly.
Marialyce (absltmom, yaya) wrote: "Another five star book and review, Peter. I could add to Mt TBR just by reading your reviews! :)"
It's one of those books I'm glad I've read and appreciated the profound message, plus the great writing and story. Thanks, Marialyce.
It's one of those books I'm glad I've read and appreciated the profound message, plus the great writing and story. Thanks, Marialyce.
Just seeing the name "Ira Levin" gives me the creeps after reading Rosemary's Baby! Thanks for the great throwback review of this lesser-known book.
Regina wrote: "Just seeing the name "Ira Levin" gives me the creeps after reading Rosemary's Baby! Thanks for the great throwback review of this lesser-known book."
He had so many great books - Stepford Wives, A Kiss Before Dying, The Boys from Brazil, Rosemary's Baby and you are right this one wouldn't have stood out but it is still brilliant.
He had so many great books - Stepford Wives, A Kiss Before Dying, The Boys from Brazil, Rosemary's Baby and you are right this one wouldn't have stood out but it is still brilliant.
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader wrote: "Fantastic review, Peter! This sounds like a solid classic."
It was Jennifer and it didn't really register with me considering his other classic books. Thanks for your kind words. 😊
It was Jennifer and it didn't really register with me considering his other classic books. Thanks for your kind words. 😊
Beata wrote: "Great review, Peter :)) Sounds like IL had a vision ..."
Thank you very much, Beata. Yes, he really did have a vision with regards to this book.
Thank you very much, Beata. Yes, he really did have a vision with regards to this book.
Mary Beth wrote: "Awesome review! Glad you enjoyed it."
Thank you so much, Mary Beth, always appreciated.
Thank you so much, Mary Beth, always appreciated.
Great review Peter. However, I disagree, there's no reason why freedom to create and privacy wouldn't lead to peace. It's those who have a problem with others that lead to chaos.
mwana wrote: "Great review Peter. However, I disagree, there's no reason why freedom to create and privacy wouldn't lead to peace. It's those who have a problem with others that lead to chaos."
Thanks for the great comment and this is a subject that could be debated at serious length. Much of what is included in my review, are my take on the author's thoughts mixed with some of my own, so thank you for the point you raised.
I totally agree with you that there is no reason why we couldn't have it all but history and our inherent nature suggests that given freedom (to create, voice or act), we tend to confront other points of view aggressively. Peace is a difficult if not impossible dream. If you compare the domestic situation of China and the US the democratic free society of the US is in more turmoil than the Authoritarian regime in China.
Thanks, Mwana, really appreciated.
Thanks for the great comment and this is a subject that could be debated at serious length. Much of what is included in my review, are my take on the author's thoughts mixed with some of my own, so thank you for the point you raised.
I totally agree with you that there is no reason why we couldn't have it all but history and our inherent nature suggests that given freedom (to create, voice or act), we tend to confront other points of view aggressively. Peace is a difficult if not impossible dream. If you compare the domestic situation of China and the US the democratic free society of the US is in more turmoil than the Authoritarian regime in China.
Thanks, Mwana, really appreciated.
Ann wrote: "Fab review, Peter and a scary look at ourselves."
Considering how long ago Ira Levin wrote this, it is prescient and scary where our world is going. Many thanks Ann.
Considering how long ago Ira Levin wrote this, it is prescient and scary where our world is going. Many thanks Ann.
Peter,
Thank you for tackling this one with me. Our buddy read was super insightful and I apologize that I am so delayed in reading your review (and writing mine). Another thing I love about a buddy read--the similarities and differences in the reading responses at the end. It's like an added bonus.
The unnecessary-to-the-plot rape and incest in this one reduced what might have been a 5 star read for me to a 3 star read, but I still do appreciate the nail-biting and fascinating twists and turns that Mr. Levin provided for us both.
Thank you for tackling this one with me. Our buddy read was super insightful and I apologize that I am so delayed in reading your review (and writing mine). Another thing I love about a buddy read--the similarities and differences in the reading responses at the end. It's like an added bonus.
The unnecessary-to-the-plot rape and incest in this one reduced what might have been a 5 star read for me to a 3 star read, but I still do appreciate the nail-biting and fascinating twists and turns that Mr. Levin provided for us both.
Julie wrote: "Peter,
Thank you for tackling this one with me. Our buddy read was super insightful and I apologize that I am so delayed in reading your review (and writing mine). Another thing I love about a budd..."
It was a pleasure, Julie, and as always, you provided wonderful insights. I tried not to dwell on that aspect but saw a totally brainwashed world and living as the Uni saw fit. Thanks for the Buddy read and your kind comments.
Thank you for tackling this one with me. Our buddy read was super insightful and I apologize that I am so delayed in reading your review (and writing mine). Another thing I love about a budd..."
It was a pleasure, Julie, and as always, you provided wonderful insights. I tried not to dwell on that aspect but saw a totally brainwashed world and living as the Uni saw fit. Thanks for the Buddy read and your kind comments.