A Plot That Never Let's Go

The Knife of Never Letting Go
by Patrick Ness
Cambridge, MA : Candlewick Press, 2008.
1st U.S. ed.
479 p. ; 23 cm.

The first thing to say about The Knife is that it is a very creative novel. It manages to be science fiction without seeming to much like science fiction. It has several conceptual devices that are unprecedented. For example, much of the novel is about Noise. On the colonized planet where the action takes place, the men can hear and even see one another's thoughts. Men can try to hide or obscure their Noise, but it is impossible to keep it completely hidden. As one can imagine, this situation creates some very tense and dramatic episodes - especially when one is being hunted by hostile men. Women, on the other hand can hear men's Noise, but their thoughts remain private. Lastly, animals on this new planet can talk - and as you might guess, their expressions are very limited and basic.

The novel also delves into very deep issues about men, women, violence, xenophobia, religion, war, colonization, lies, propaganda, brainwashing, friendship, bravery, cowardice, loyalty and - of course - love.

As you can probably tell, there was a lot that I really liked about this novel. The writing, too, is very skillful. The main character, who narrates the story, has a way of expressing himself that uses interesting mispellings and Noise is indicated by bold, casual font. In spite of liking a lot about this novel, I ultimately found it to be very disappointing. It is essentially a pursuit-thriller story and the chase of the main character and his female ally by the villains is at times overwrought and improbable. Over and over the two heroes seem safe only to be surprised or overtaken by their pursuers. Especially ridiculous, is the main villain, Aaron, who seems to be more of a terminator sort of figure than a human as he survives mauling by crocodiles, near drowning, severe head injuries, and a severe dog mauling.

Finally, I was really put off with the ending of the novel, in that there is no real closure. The story is left hanging - really just another version of the repetitive plot device of supposed safety reached that actually results in even greater peril. This kind of unfinished ending feels manipulative, and a thinly veiled tactic for selling the sequel. I would contrast this kind of gimmick with the satisfying ending to The Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a complete novel, but does not preclude it's being continued in book 2, Catching Fire. When you reach the end of The Knife on the other hand, you are essentially left with an unfinished book. Some readers may enjoy this, but it is not my cup of tea.