 |
The subjects of this book are reminiscent of 1984, Animal Farm (the latter is mentioned in the text), and other works about totalitarian societies and those who resist them. There are training places for "Reverse Education," propaganda that comprises the only form of education that is allowed by the Anti-Hate Committee. "At home and abroad, Reverse Education's lies fill every classroom, every courtroom, every newsroom. Its hatred infects politicians and corrupts kingdoms." The structure of the land is a house of cards, but one so steeped in lies that, true to deeply dystopian societies, the lies become their own truths. The group of resistors is made up of philosophers, young people, and seekers of truth in general, who meet secretly to discuss the reality of situations, including the usefulness of philosophies, the structure and seduction of power, and the necessity of discovering the truth rather than agreeing with the majority. Their vehicle of truth is the Bible.
Davidson's work is pertinent as, like its previously mentioned predecessors, it demonstrates the lies that can be generated by a self-serving leadership and the desirability and necessity of people to seek and share actual virtues and reality. It reflects the truth that throughout history, into the present, and in every society, some people have put their physical beings and reputations at great risk to seek reality and actuality. As seen in the lives of the characters in the book, these truths have been more important than social acceptance, personal safety, and mortal life. The meetings of the resistors in the book are vibrant, social, and feature enjoyable conversations. The cognizance by the participants of the dangers of their actions represents the courage of groups throughout the ages in the necessity to seek and express truth.