Read more at source.
Read more at source.
The novel is set in 2272 in what remains of Argentina after the melting of the Antarctic ice cap. Developers are busy terraforming the Antarctic Caribbean, engineering whole biomes to recreate Earth. The privileged children of the viroeconomy immerse themselves in virtual reality fantasies, showcasing a stark contrast between the haves and have-nots.
Dengue Boy, a mosquito-human hybrid, is the focus of the novel. His existence, whether as an experiment, a genetic mutation, or the result of corporate crime, is a mystery. He is not troubled by his nature, instead, it is the world that must come to terms with him.
While there are similarities to Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis', the key difference lies in the protagonists' self-perception. Unlike Gregor Samsa who wakes up transformed and in pain over his lost past, Dengue Boy has no transformation to grapple with. His journey is more about the world's acceptance of him than his acceptance of himself.
Dengue Boy was always Dengue Boy. He has no transformation with which he must come to terms. It is the outside world that must be brought to know him.
