Book Review: The Unmapping by D.H. Kuehn
When I first encountered The Unmapping, I was instantly intrigued by its premise. The thought of a narrative unraveling amidst an apocalyptic event where the very fabric of reality seems to dissolve had a pull that was hard to resist. The author, D.H. Kuehn, invites us into a world where the concept of reliance takes center stage, particularly in the lives of women caught in a chaotic web. However, what I hoped would blossom into a thought-provoking exploration instead frustrated me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
At its heart, The Unmapping presents a tumultuous event that deeply affects New York City, with the Emergency Management Department trying to grapple with the fallout. The most engaging parts of the book are those early days of the crisis, filled with potential and rich narratives that could have truly expanded the thematic focus. The unfolding chaos itself is a treasure trove of intriguing stories—yet as the pages turned, I found myself disheartened by the characters and their arcs.
Esme, for example, is portrayed as a capable emergency management team leader, yet her trajectory takes a jarring turn once her fiancé goes missing. Instead of navigating her professional duties or evolving as a character, she spirals into emotional turmoil that feels entirely reliant on her male counterpart. It’s disheartening to watch her intelligence and capability take a backseat to a romantic dependency. When she finally starts to rediscover her strength through another character, Arjun, it feels more like a forced plot mechanism rather than a genuine transformation.
Equally frustrating is Rosemary, who waits passively for her husband’s guidance and ultimately finds herself drawn into a cult. Her storyline could have been an opportunity for self-discovery but instead reinforces the idea that she can only thrive with a man’s influence. This pervasive theme of female dependence is compounded by the portrayal of Arjun—a character whose ineptitude stands out starkly, yet who somehow manages to maneuver through the crisis with little to no consequences.
Kuehn’s writing style is an interesting mixture, albeit uneven. The tone frequently shifts without much warning, leaving me unsure whether to take certain scenes seriously or not. It’s as if the narrative struggles between wanting to be lighthearted and serious, which often detracts from the overall impact. The lack of commitment to certain storylines—like the sudden disappearance of the New York mayor who has no repercussions—only added to my sense of disconnection.
On the environmental front, the underlying message relating to climate change felt tacked on and, frankly, superficial. The vague association with pollution struck me as an attempt to introduce a critique of environmental issues without fully engaging with the complexities. While I appreciate thematic exploration, a lazy narrative simply stating that “pollution is bad” feels more like a missed opportunity than a robust commentary.
Though I didn’t find my reading experience particularly enriching, I can see how some might appreciate the sheer ambition of the plot and its central event. For readers who enjoy speculative fiction blended with social commentary, there might be aspects here that resonate.
Overall, The Unmapping left me feeling disappointed, particularly in the characterization and thematic depth. If you’re seeking a gripping narrative with strong character development and meaningful stakes, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those interested in the chaos of human relationships amidst crisis—complete with its profound imperfections—this book may still capture your curiosity. Just be prepared for a frustrating journey.
⭐️⭐️/5 Stars.