Tremendously interesting book, despite the fact that it likely could have been read much faster and I sort of dragged it out a bit.
What I appreciated was the concept of presenting the one-dimension, two-dimension, and three-dimensional worlds and populating them with geometric forms then tossing them into areas so aligned with the nature and history of mankind.
Patterns of superiority/inferiority within worlds and amongst them were statements appealing to the natural inclination of dominant/subordinant personalities. Metaphors of forms for residents is curious, angles of import being equal or of greater degree, thus the near-angleless women being at the bottom of the pile. While social status is based on productivity or career, similar to the situation in Handmaid’s Tale, the specific differences in appearance and evident disdain for the sharper or irregular angled folk brings more of a racial or tribal element in. Orwell’s Animal Farm hinted at this as well since the species were so dissimilar.
As far as the writing style, I don’t feel competent to judge but I do know that I didn’t find any great creative use of language. Imagery is for the forms and so much is taken up by imagining the worlds that Abbott may have indeed focused our attention there. For example, the one splash of color as the residents discovered paint was easily visualized and reinforced the two-dimensional figures.
Very interesting book, the creative force directed not to plot or character, but to concept. And, to my own love, perception.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology