The Test

In an alternate near future, Idir Jalil is taking the British Citizenship Test, which one in three persons fail. If he answers the 25 questions correctly, he and his family can stay in the country and finally have a sense of belonging. But as Idir takes the test, a group of armed, masked men arrive, taking the participants and Idir's observing family hostage. Can Idir make the decisions necessary to survive? What happens when one has to choose who lives and who dies when all one has is the information in front of him? And once one chooses a final answer, will he ever be the same? With an intriguing plot, alternating viewpoints, and unexpected turns, Nuevel (Sleeping Giants) tells a fast-paced story full of action and takes a hard look into the human psyche. VERDICT This compact novella combines issues of immigration as well as a hostage story into a tale of incredible choices.--Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

February 15, 2019
Neuvel (Sleeping Giants, 2016) presents a world where potential citizens must take a test that assesses not only their knowledge but also their psychological suitability for citizenship. Idir Jalil is hoping to pass in order to change his family's circumstances. His test is administered by Deep, a trainee who wants to push the limits of the exam scenario. Told in alternating chapters that differ in style, tone, and even font, this novella packs the punch of a much larger novel when the exam becomes a life-and-death hostage situation. A timely and thought-provoking story for book-discussion groups and fans of speculative fiction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)