Across the Universe

Bibliography

Revis, Beth. Across the Universe. New York, NY: Razorbill, 2011. Print.

Nilsen, Allen Pace, James Blasingame, Kenneth L. Donelson, and Don L. Nilsen. Literature for Today's Young Adults. 9th ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.

Summary

Amy, 16, and her parents are three of 100 people who have been cryogenically frozen for the 300-year trip to a new planet, Centauri-Earth. However, she is mysteriously unplugged 50 years before the scheduled landing, possibly by someone trying to murder the cryogenically frozen “cargo.” Amy must make sense of the new world she has awoken into onboard the Godspeed. At first Godspeed appears to be a harmonious Utopia, and a perfect society, but it turns out to be a dystopia full of secrets and lies run by a tyrannical leader, Eldest. Amy meets another teen, Elder, who is slated to be the next ruler, and together they try to untangle reality from appearances. Will they ever escape the cold metal walls of the ship and arrive on the new planet?

Analysis

Across the Universe has multiple layers of a true science fiction novel in that it involves time and space travel but also mad scientists, and a touch of cyberpunk. Revis describes the technology that runs the multi-thousand person ship and she also methodically unfolds the layers of genetic engineering that is taking place on the ship in preparation for colonization of the new planet. She also explores the sociological and environmental concerns of a planned society that has been operating inside the ship for hundreds of years. The workers are described as “empty” but compliant (Revis 321). This book also lists the causes of discord as: differences, lack of a strong leader, and individual thought. This would be a good discussion point for a teen audience.

Additionally, Revis throws in a cyberpunk thread in the use of “technology and [Eldest’s] power of communication as it is used to manipulate people” (Nilsen, et al. 177). This theme can be juxtaposed with current events in Istanbul and Egypt where people are protesting because of their perceived lack of influence in their government.

The two teen protagonists, Elder and Amy, are exploring the dualities of good versus evil, reality versus appearance, and order versus anarchy (Nilsen, et al. 144). Eldest states multiple times that “this ship is built on secrets; it runs on secrets” (Revis 314). Elder must decide if secrets are a necessary evil but has to contend with whether or not he will follow the status-quo as leader.

Revis has designed the book to move between the thoughts of Amy and Elder and has a strong command of youth voice from the first page of the book. It is unique to have two voices instead of only one first person narrative, and it is a major strength of the book. However, once Revis begins moving more quickly back and forth between the thoughts of Amy and Elder, the voice becomes muted because both characters are too similar. 

The characters fall into traditional YA roles. Elder wants more information and responsibility and resents the established structure. Additionally, he is constantly questioning himself as he grows into his position as leader. He is also a foil to Eldest in that Elder self proclaims that he likes “a little chaos” (Revis 42) and “needs a little disturbance” (313) in opposition to Eldest who likes things quiet and controlled. Many teenagers can relate to this. Amy is wild and rebellious because she is different than the other people who were born on the ship and is having to come to terms with how and if she wants to fit in. She and Elder make a good team as they investigate who might be trying to kill people who have been cryogenically frozen.

Amy and Elder together provide emotional and physical tension as they struggle with feelings of love and lust. Of note: the book contains some description of nudity and sexual thoughts by Elder. The author also creates a time termed “The Season” where people are drawn to mate. The scenes say that people are having sex, but do not describe any sex acts. This could be a point of contention for some parents and/or teachers.

          

Overall, I would recommend this book to a male or female YA reader because of the strong science fiction themes, unique narration style, and plot full of mystery and adventure.