British writer John Wyndham is known to the science fiction community best for his novel, and then the movie based on it, The Day of the Triffids. The publisher Modern Library isn’t exactly known for its modern (excuse the pun) science fictional sensibilities. So to judge this novel as contemporary science fiction is, I believe, a disservice to both the book and the community (and the reading community at large, as well, especially those who still reflexively look down their noses at genre fiction). Rather, it is a quintessentially British literary novel that employs a science fictional concept as a vehicle for examining societal issues, especially those relating to gender roles.

In many ways, Trouble with Lichen violates the contemporary expectations of genre. Most of the book consists of conversations (“talking heads”) rather than action. Indeed, almost every pivotal event occurs offstage, leaving the reader with the long-drawn-out, convoluted, and often ambivalent reactions of the characters. Dramatic tension is slight compared to that in today’s science fiction novels. To this American reader, most of the characters sounded similar (similarly British); they had different points of view, but they all talked the same. (To be fair, a few of the secondary characters had strong voices, usually unpleasant ones.) And yet, I found the book neither boring nor slow-paced. Its center revolves around ideas, not action, but those ideas are provocative.

I enjoyed the slow evolution of reactions and visions of the potential of the mcguffin (an extract of lichen that slows down aging, potentially extending human lifespans to several centuries) to transform lives and greater society. My favorite point of discussion was the way a greatly enhanced life expectancy would result in accumulation of knowledge, experience, and (hopefully) wisdom. For every anticipated benefit, there would be a host of drawbacks (ever-young people refusing to retire, others stuck in meaningless jobs for a hundred years, unhappy marriages turning into eternities of hell). Wyndham himself doesn’t bash the reader of the head, telling us how we should think and feel; he allows his characters to explore nuance and unfolding realizations. The book is out of date in terms of feminist sensibilities, not to mention LGBTQ+ and environmental/population concerns, but taken for what it is and when it was written, I found it surprisingly relevant. As I said, I enjoyed it and recommend it. Just don’t expect a lot of frenetic rockets’n’rayguns action. Instead, have a cup of tea ready.

The novel follows Francis Saxover and Diana Brackley, two biochemists who independently discover that a rare lichen has the ability to significantly slow the aging process. While Francis decides to keep his findings a secret due to the potentially horrifying implications of an ever-youthful wealthy elite, Diana sees an opportunity to overthrow the status-quo. This is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that explores the consequences of a fountain of youth and the power dynamics at play in society.

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I think that was fun. I had a few issues but not enough to detract from the book as a whole. I think this would a good addition to a collection that had similar titles.

The premise of the Trouble with Lichen is great. A modern fountain of youth is found. How will it be shared with the public? How will it impact human society overall?

I had some serious problems with the prose. It has long wordy sentences throughout. Clearly, the author never met an adverb, adjective or comma that he didn’t like and couldn’t put to work. I’ve read, and loved, the author’s more famous science fiction works like The Midwich Cuckoos and Day of the Triffids. But the Trouble with Lichen, despite its blunt force feminism, was just not very good. It was a slow slog. Therefore, I have to give it only 2 stars.

Thanks to Modern Library and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy of this book in return for an honest review.

What would you do if someone offered to extend your life for five years? 20? 150? What would the consequences of that extended life be? These are two of the themes explored in "Trouble with Lichen". The main characters, Diana and Francis, take different approaches to newfound longevity: Francis for personal gain and Diana for female empowerment. Diana knows that if this anti-aging compound was offered to the world at large, the men in power would have it reserved only for their benefit.

Overall, this book was well written and timely as society continues to search for the fountain of youth and agism continues to be at the forefront of many beauty campaigns and throughout social media.

This is an incredibly timely and entertaining book. I highly enjoyed it. First it’s written incredibly well and second the characters are interesting. The best part about this book though is the plot. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading it.

NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group provided a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The premise of Trouble With Lichen sounded amazing. Two scientists discover an anti-aging substance, giving humans the ability to live indefinitely. They both choose to do different things with the substance, and both have to face the consequences of their decisions. Unfortunately, I disliked the way Wyndham chose to capture the story.

Trouble With Lichen feels like it was supposed to have some feminist views, but I found it very misogynistic. Though, I suppose it is because Wyndham was surrounded by a misogynistic world when he wrote the novel. My issue is women in general in the book are not viewed very well by society, peers, or their families. Then comes Diana, who is "very different" from other women. She is one of the few women in the book with any redeeming qualities who aspires to better women's lives, but first, she has to make them all realize they can be better.

Overall it was an intriguing read, but it irritated me at the same time.

While I love a lot of John Wyndham's books, this one fell a little short for me. It felt like it had a lot of plot holes or it just didn't seem like a well-rounded or thought-out story compared to his other works. I'm still glad I took the chance and read it but I would definitely recommend his other work before this one.