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In The Durable & Damned, Brandon LaMarr skillfully blends historical reimagination with dystopian science fiction. Set in a world where Basque speakers and rulers dominated colonialism, the story takes place six generations after a devastating world war. This richly built universe sees the privileged few controlling advanced technology, while the majority, including the Kudumu-descendants of the African diaspora-struggle against systemic oppression.
Through the journal entries of Baqee, a young Kudumu, readers are drawn into a society governed by an all-powerful algorithmic machine. This machine, updated by the ruling Basque-speaking class, enforces a rigid status quo, perpetuating disparities that have existed for centuries. Baqee's narrative captures the essence of survival, resilience, and the quest for justice in a world mirroring our own societal inequities.
Baqee's journey reveals the fluid realities faced by the Kudumu, reflecting the experiences of the African diaspora. He navigates a life filled with labor, supervision by the privileged Mdudu, and the constant shadow of societal control. His hopes and dreams reveal the varied responses of his people-from rebellion to assimilation, from acceptance to a deep reverence for their cultural roots. The Kudumu's diverse heritage is showcased through a blend of languages, including English, Swahili, and Haitian Creole.
The Durable & Damned shares themes with the works of Richard Wright and Octavia Butler, particularly the exploration of racial injustice, societal survival, and complex power dynamics. Like Wright's Native Son and Butler's Parable of the Sower, LaMarr's narrative is a powerful commentary on the enduring struggle for equity and the resilience of the human spirit.
This novel is not just a story; it's a reflection on history, an exploration of futuristic possibilities, and a critique of ongoing societal issues. The Durable & Damned challenges readers to reflect on the past and imagine a future where justice and equality are attainable. Immerse yourself in the journey of Baqee and the Kudumu-a story of resilience, struggle, and the fluid realities of survival and hope.
