Summary:
Wilhelm’s novel is set in a world where crops die, whole species disappear and climatic disasters occur regularly due to the pollution created by humans. Human genes have also become corrupted and fertility rate drops to zero; humans cannot bear children and therefore, some turn to cloning as a way to save humanity from extinction. However, it turns out that the clones can live much longer than their original creators and they become dependent on the similarity of cloning (for example, they are telepathic). As the novel progresses, the question that arises is whether these clones are the salvation of humanity, or are they the replacement.
"Kate Wilhelm's cautionary message comes through loud and clear." – New York Times
“skirts a fine line between science fiction and fantasy” – Steven Wu, Chicago Daily News
Questions:
Is cloning ever justified?
