John Wyndham’s novel The Chrysalids was written in 1955, and tells the story of a group of children living in Labrador, Canada, in the distant future. In this world, any sign of mutation or difference from the norm is punished, and anyone with these differences is exiled or killed. The story focuses on the main character David Strorm and his family, who are part of a small religious community that regards any deviations from the norm as “blasphemous”.
The novel begins with David describing his thoughts on “tribal” life and the “unconformity” within the community. He and his two cousins, Rosalind and Petra, begin to explore the outskirts of their village and find out that some of the villagers, including David’s father, may in fact be hiding “unconform” abilities. As the story progresses, we learn that the children of the community have been blessed with telepathic powers, which are used to communicate across vast distances. It is believed that these powers will serve as a sort of early-warning system against outsiders.
The characters of the novel face extreme prejudice and discrimination because of their differences, and David and his friends must eventually go into hiding to protect themselves and their families. While in hiding, they become close to a group of people called the Fringes, who have been exiled from the village for their mutations. It is through the Fringes that David and the others learn of the true power of their telepathic abilities. The Fringes eventually decide to leave Labrador and seek refuge in a distant area known as Waknah.
The novel is full of moral themes and debates about the dangers of intolerance, prejudice and discrimination. Through the characters’ experiences and lessons, the readers understand how accepting everyone, including those who are different, is essential for a safe and harmonious society. David and the others also learn to use their abilities and telepathy to work together and help one another, which promotes a sense of unity and understanding.
The book is still hailed as a classic and continues to resonate with readers from different generations. The Chrysalids is a perfect example of how Wyndham’s science fiction can explore complex and challenging topics and use moral lessons to teach us all an important lesson. Through David and his fellow telepaths, as well as the villagers and Fringes, readers are encouraged to understand the nuances of human nature and the power of acceptance, tolerance and understanding.
