Herasaga

Priesthood of Science Reviews

Ian_Angus_Review_of_Priesthood by Ian Angus, Professor of Humanities, Simon Fraser University

Hera or Empathy Reviews

Ian_Angus_Review_of_Hera by Ian Angus, Professor of Humanities, Simon Fraser University

Review by Roger and Pat Howard

“After a distinguished career as a scholar and public intellectual, William Leiss has, with the publication of Hera or Empathy, donned a new hat as an author of utopian fiction. Set in the near future, this first volume in a series entitled Herasaga appears more as a dystopia than a utopia.

In the manner of Orwell, Huxley and, more recently, Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, Leiss extrapolates on present trends to envision a world where the damaging effects of global warming are being felt and social order is sliding into chaos. In the midst of growing disorder and fear, gated communities of the wealthy are protected by a burgeoning military establishment independent of civil authority. And, for those who can afford it, the space program offers the possibility of escape from the chaos on Earth to a Mars colony.

There is a melding of the corporate and scientific worlds. Scientism is triumphant; there are no moral or social limits on the scientific enterprise. The ideals of risk taking and progress are unquestioned, and the notion that science should not be allowed to move in certain directions unthinkable.

Within science there is a melding of molecular biology, genetic engineering and neuro and cognitive science with the goal of improving and controlling the natural world including our own species. The scientific basis for doing this is explained in the text. All of this is chillingly familiar.

But there is hope. A couple, who are the world’s leading experts in genetic manipulation, create, in their own daughters, a new form of human beings, which they hope will play a role in the regeneration of the species and the planet. The novel is the story of the struggle of these women to survive in an increasingly menacing world. A tale of danger, betrayal and heroism that makes the book difficult to put down.

The story is also, in the manner of Mary Shelly’s novel Frankenstein, a dialogue between father and daughters, creator and created, which forces you to consider some deep and disturbing questions about science and society. It’s quite a provocative read and very timely.”

Reader Comments

“I did want to say that I really enjoyed the book. It was certainly a strange work – I suppose I have not actually read a lot of self-consciously utopian fiction. It is a less allegorical work than Huxley’s Island, for sure. I am not sure, for example, what to make of the fact that Hera and her girls are going to inaugurate an entirely new race. I am curious what will happen to them all. It is not clear to what extent genetic manipulation is intended as a metaphor for technological endeavour in general, or whether it is in fact a highly probable projection of real-world trends. The story was astounding in its realism; even the genetically altered characters showed human faces time and time again. Of course, I can already imagine you disabusing me of my mis- and preconceptions about where the story is going.

Overall, my impression was that it was a remarkable working through of the idea of the consummation of technological rationality, of a kind I have rarely seen. In literature, we usually get the dystopic view of technology, either in a critical mode (a la Vonnegut – may he rest in peace, he deserves it – Atwood, Orwell, etc.) or in that more perverse mode which verges on techno-fascism (William Gibson). Elsewhere, we see the stupid, blind and infantile valorization of the machine for its own sake (which reaches its absurd extremes in the transhuman AI movement from California). The pessimist in me says that the real, deep, rare hope your story exudes will meet a gigantic wall of cynicism before the story gets rolling.”

Collin Campbell

Toronto, Ontario

“I was completely absorbed by this amazing fictional story of a family of genetically “improved” women and the unforeseeable consequences of modifying the basic capacity of human nature. The courage of Hera and her love for her family stands in harsh contrast to the control, manipulation, and abuse of others seeking personal gain from these women. Rich in philosophical debates and dialogues, this book raises awareness of questions that most of us are unwilling to contemplate. I eagerly look forward to book 2.”

Patrice Henson

Calgary, Alberta

“In the mercurial world of science and religion, William Leiss will have to race to complete the trilogy before the prophecies in the first volume of his utopian fantasy morph into reality.”

Pat Morrow, author of Beyond Everest – Quest for the Seven Summits

“In Hera or Empathy, Bill Leiss has written an engrossing and compelling novel of ideas by making an entirely plausible projection into the not-so-distant future of two present day phenomenon: the genetic engineering of humans and the melting of the Antarctic ice caps. In doing so, he has confronted religion with science, and the basic tenets of both are the subject of beautifully written logical dialogues causing the reader to reflect deeply upon what it means to be human and what should be the limits of science.”

Prof. Benjamin Smith (ret.), École Polytechnique Montréal

“I really enjoyed Hera or Empathy. The book was well written, held my attention, I didn’t get lost in the technical, and it was thought provoking. Looking forward to the second part of the trilogy. Well done.”

Robert Young

Vancouver, British Columbia

“Who needs science fiction when you can have imminent future realities revealed in remarkable detail through the impeccable research and analysis of Bill Leiss? This novel is a compelling read for anyone who cares to think about the implications to the nature of being human that arise from our unrestrained manipulation of nature driven by the accelerating advances of scientific knowledge.”

Steve E. Hrudey, FRSC

Edmonton, Alberta

“Just finished Hera. What a treat! A great story, with accurate science. I loved it, especially the compelling debates among the characters.

The clash between religion and science is such a timely topic, and your book pursues these issues in such a constructive way that I hope more people get the opportunity to read it. I personally found it very useful in refining my own thoughts and ideas on the subject.”

Lee Merkhofer

Cupertino, California

“With style, Bill Leiss’s The Herasaga is taking risk assessment to another level, to future risk prediction, and through such a truly accessible and enjoyable medium – utopian fiction!

This book further demonstrates the deep insights Bill has into some of the most complex conflicts and risks imbedded in human society and nature: religion, science, and technology. Accordingly, Hera or Empathy inspired me to broadly reflect on the meaning of ‘progress’ and ‘purpose’ and further revealed to me the true nature of science, technology and religion – that they are some of the sharpest double-edged swords out there!

Get equipped with these insights, discuss, and share with many.”

Troy Stozek

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hera, or Empathy is a profound work of literature. Leiss does a remarkable job of pulling together various issues that face humanity today, weaving a slightly futuristic tale that entices the reader to ponder the actions of mankind – past, present, and future – and to consider the disaster that could be waiting for us on the other side of science.

Josh P. McClary, author of Chance Murphy and the Battle of Morganville

Chicago, Illinois