REVIEW: Incarceron by Catherine Fischer

[Meg Seth]

As a lifelong lover of literature, I have always favored young adult literature, as well as other forms of “genre” fiction, including but not limited to fantasy, science ficition, and horror. Incarceron is not only an exceptional piece of young adult fiction, it is also a phenomenal example of fantasy literature. By tracing the overlapping journeys of Claudia and Finn, the novel explores themes of imprisonment, exploration, and ultimately coming of age in a world where justice isn’t fair.
Incarceron itself is a giant prison that has taken on a life of its own. It is conscious, plays with its inmates, and seemingly has no way out. This is the world of Finn, a young member of a marauding group of outlaws within Incarceron’s walls. Finn has been plagued by visions of the Outside, and his quest to find a world outside Incarceron’s walls leads him on an adventurous journey with an elderly scholar named Gildas, his oatbrother Kiero, and a slave girl called Attia. Outside, Claudia is the daughter of Incarceron’s Warden, the courtly man given rule over the prison. She is to be married to the queen’s son, Caspar. Her world is one stuck in the Era, a false projection of Elizabethan-style living, devoid of modern conveniences and safeties. Under the guise of primitive living, scholars called the Sapienti have pursued advanced technological and even magical devices for ages. Jared, Claudia’s tutor, is one of the Sapienti and desires only to help Claudia live a happy and fulfilled life. Desperate to escape a marriage with the insufferable prince, Claudia and Jared stumble upon a clue that could change everything in the court.
The novel incorporates key elements of fantasy, science fiction, and young adult literature, creating an interesting and layered story. Although there are many fantastic elements in the novel (both the plot and setting depend on this) Incarceron fits very solidly into the genre of young adult literature. Although the narration is not in first person, it is solidly rooted in the consciousnesses of Claudia and Finn through limited first person POV. The novel, although almost four hundred and fifty pages, is very fast-past and would be appealing to a young reader. The action of the story is consistent and ever moving, and it reads like the literary equivalent of a well-done action movie. Claudia and Finn also learn to listen to their hearts, defying adult institutions and rules in order to do what is right. This thematic element subscribes stringently to the YA motif of finding oneself during the teen years, veritably coming of age by confronting a new chapter in life or facing new and challenging situations. The novel seamlessly incorporates these YA elements with the fantastical settings, plots, and even some characters of the novel. Even though these elements are very unlike the world of the modern teen, the theme of entrapment and feeling stuck in one’s own life would probably be received positively by a modern adolescent audience.
Overall, the novel was quite enjoyable and admirable as a staple of YA fantasy literature. It incorporates important elements of several genres of literature while maintaining psychologically realistic characters. I would recommend this novel for fantasy lovers of all ages and for young adults between twelve and eighteen. The material and the writing style of the novel are approachable for many levels of reader, and different kids will appreciate this read on different levels. Incarceron takes the tale of a fantastical prison relevant to a modern world, ultimately creating a one of a kind literary experience.

Also, here are a few links to reviews of the book, and debates about it's merits as a possible movie:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/02/AR2...

http://www.slashfilm.com/fox-to-adapt-incarceron-the-next-harry-pot...

http://www.yahighway.com/2010/05/incarceron-book-review.html