The Diemen Alexander
by
Marie Heitz
Publisher: Clan Destine Press
Publication date: 16th October 2023
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 316
RRP: $32.95AU (paperback)
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
Review: The Diemen Alexander
The Diemen Alexander is a science fiction / fantasy genre mash-up.
After a fire rips through Kunanyi (Mount Wellington) Luke is gripped with guilt as it was exactly what he had wished for as his final school photography 'ecological nightmare' project.
Taking a trip up the ravaged mountain Luke finds a small lizard amongst the devastation. Not wanting to leave it there to die he takes it home to feed and water it. The lizard now named Alexander, eats everything Luke offers. He is surprised he can eat so much and seems to be growing just as fast.
After lots of research Luke suspects that Alexander may be a modern-day Tasmaniosaurus Triassicus. Now he must find out more and also protect Alexander from ruthless profiteers.
I loved the concept of the story. Alexander was so little and cute it was easy to fall in love with him and I could see why Luke would do anything to protect him. As Alexander grew the story became darker - themes of dominance, anorexia, murder and child abuse emerge.
Heitz raises moral questions about who gets to judge whether people are fit to live and whether humans are protecting animals or dominating them.
I read a few reviews that stated they found the book humorous. Maybe it's just my sense of humour but I didn't see any humour. I actually found the story quite dark. I would classify it as a science fiction thriller with moral undertones.
Science fiction fans will enjoy!
my rating 3.5 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐½
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