Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Fantasy (Dystopian)
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: It’s somewhere near the middle of this century, and Ethical Assessment of End-of Life Care has been enacted into law. The authorities are ruthlessly implementing it throughout the land – no more medical resources wasted on the defective and dying, equitable distribution of quality medical care, no more lingering half-lives sustained by expensive machinery. The “thanatos solution” has arrived.
But there are, as always, unexpected ramifications, especially for those who wanted it.
The woman knows her incontinent, disabled father is scheduled for imminent termination, and it makes sense for him. But then she learns that her son is afflicted with a terminal condition. And things change.
So this woman will soon learn that there is a far older, wider-reaching Thanatos Solution – one that is usually the only viable solution.
“The Thanatos Solution: A Cautionary Tale about the Near Dystopian Future” is a short story, approximately 3,200 words or 10 pages.
Review: Wade Preston’s “The Thanatos Solution” is an interesting spin on a dystopian future where end of life choices are removed from the general population’s hands. He creates a world where choice is limited. Or is it?
This was a solid story, well written and interesting. Wade mixed in elements of religion to add some depth and complexity to the story. His characterization was done well, and I feel that I got to know the characters a bit because of that. Wade writes beautifully, mixing in complex sentences that add layers of texture and detail to the story.
After I was done I went back to the beginning to reread the opening few paragraphs, and it made more sense the second time. I admit I saw the ending coming, but was confused by his choice of which character ended up making a sacrifice at the end. He uses a word (“this”) in the last sentence that threw me. I reread the end a few times, and just could not figure it out.
Regardless of that, this was a solid story, one that makes you think of the freedom we currently have and how it could be taken away.
Available at: Amazon
Author Site: Amazon Author Page
