Review: The Unit

Dorrit is being checked into the Second Reserve Bank Unit for biological material.  Everyone is sent to a unit like this after they reach a certain age (50 for women, 60 for men) if they’re considered “dispensable.”  Dispensable means no one needs them and they aren’t in careers that are considered necessary for society.  At first, Dorrit is nervous and disturbed, but quickly adjusts to life in The Unit.

Dorrit is sent to The Unit because she is 50 years old, doesn’t have a steady income (she’s a writer) and doesn’t have a spouse, children or parents who need her.  She is physically fit and mentally stable and had to give her beloved dog away before being sent to The Unit.  Although she misses her dog terribly, Dorrit seems resigned to her fate.  She says,

Anyway: those who safeguard growth and democracy and welfare, they’re the ones who own my life.  They own everyone’s life.  And life is capital.  A capital that is to be divided fairly among the people in a way that promotes reproduction and growth, welfare and democracy.  I am only a steward, taking care of my vital organs.

The Unit is like a city in one large building.  It contains apartments, restaurants, a gym, a hospital, a library, etc.  The people housed there have all of their needs taken care of, but they are used for scientific experiments and “donations.” Those who are considered dispensable donate organs, blood, etc for those who are needed – sometimes it’s something like a cornea, but sometimes it’s a final donation – heart, lungs, etc.

The Unit by Ninni Holmqvist is a disturbingly compelling book.  I think I found it particularly disturbing since I turned 50 on my last birthday.  I was touched by Dorrit and her longing for her dog, Jock, because I know I would feel the same way if I had to give my dog away.  I kept wondering if I could adjust to life in a giant, windowless building like she did.  This book raises lots of moral and ethical questions and really made me think about the value of human life – of all human life, whether others deem that life as necessary or not.  I really enjoyed this fascinating and thought provoking read – the story and the moral dilemmas it examines will stay with me for a while.

Review copy provided by Other Press.