Glimpse by Claire Merle

Glimpse by Claire Merle
Publisher:  Faber & Faber
Publish Date:  June 7, 2012
ISBN:  978-0571280537
Pages:  432


I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Set in the future, people are segregated depending on their genetic disposition to mental illness.


Ana is 17 years old and it was discovered that she's been living in Pure society due to an error in her DNA test.  However, she's been promised to a Pure boy, Jasper.  Jasper still agrees to the marriage, but they have had to promise not to produce children and Ana can stay in Pure society until her illness manifests.  Then she'll be cast out with the Crazies.  Oh yeah, they have to marry by her eighteenth birthday.  The date is coming up fast, then Jasper disappears.

First thing to remember:  we all know that genetics are only a portion of diagnosing mental illness.  However, this is a STORY and that entails suspension of belief.  So...suspend belief and carry on.

In my opinion, it was easy to see that the Crazy world was a better one to live in - more artistic, freer and friendlier.  Whereas in the Pure world, you had to watch yourself and 'behave' constantly.

I felt that this book was not about segregated people with a predisposition to mental illness, but really a plan the government put into place to segregate the rebels or free thinkers.  The mental illness test appears to be a cover up, but it's never said.  Of course the story is left open for a second book.

The characters:

Ana (Ariana) - smart but smothered, her personality built up as the story carried forward, sometimes she just seemed stupid, but for good reason...I think.

Cole - one of the Crazies, rebel, handsome, risk taker

Jasper - set to marry Ana, involved in something...

Ana's Dad - he developed the DNA test to determine mental illness predisposition.  What else is he involved in?