After scientists discovered that in a prison population most of the males had the M+ gene, they decided that the boys with that gene will be trouble makers. Boys with M- gene will not have this characteristic. After they develop a test for the gene, the next step is to test all boy babies to determine which type of the M gene they possess. This leads to differences in treatment for they boys depending on which variant they have. The M- boys receive all the perks including getting into good schools. The M+ boys are giving menial jobs and treated as outcasts. In this two tier society, parents want to assure that their sons are M-.
Two sisters, Antonia and Bea, have sons born at about the same time. Antonia is married to a wealthy doctor; Bea is an unwed mother who lives with her partner. Antonia has her son tested and exalts in his M- status. Bea refuses to test her son not wanting his life to be determined by a single test. The boys are treated differently. Antonia is a protective mother. Bea wants her son to face the trials of life. As the boys grow up their paths diverge in a way that brings heartache to both families.
This story has a shocking premise: a world where genetics is destiny. By separating boys into good and bad groups at a very early age they are almost begging for bad things to happen. The tension in the book is very strong. It pulls you into this world. The conclusion is hard to see coming and for me reinforced all the bad things about treating children this way.
I received this review copy from Net Galley and the publisher.
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