The Duplicate: Not as Good as Interstellar Pig but Still Sci-fi Fun

"The Duplicate" is a sci-fi, young adult novel by William Sleator. It was published in 1988. It was published by Puffin.

William Sleator, is an American sci-fi author who predominantly scribes young adult novels. His novels usually deal with adolescents confronting peculiar phenomenon's related to elements of theoretical science, (science gone nutzo) then trying to deal with the complicated situations that emerge. Family relationships are usually part of the main theme and frequently intertwines with the science fiction plotlines.

Due to the suspenseful and often eerie nature of his work, Sleator has been compared to young-adult horror writer R. L. Stine. However, I believe that Sleator's writing is more relatable and scares more because it's grounded, closer to what real life is like. He scribes science gone haywire, rather than straight horror, gross out novels like Stine.

"The Duplicate" is:

The main persona of the novel is David, who encounters a apparatus that duplicates any living organism. After giving the device a test drive by testing it on his pet goldfish, he proceeds to makes a clone of himself. He does this because he wants to go on a date with his crush, Angela, so he creates a clone so that IT can attend his grandmother's birthday.

David's strategy backfires, when the Duplicate believes himself to be the original, and refuses to take any further orders.

David's actual dilemma initiates, when the Duplicate utilizes the device to create clones of himself. The new duplicates are less-than-perfect reproductions, being a copy of a copy, and developed intentions and aspirations that differ from the O.G. David.

The story becomes amusing when the duplicates, turn against David and his lady friend Angela.

"The Duplicate" is an ideal novel for teens. The story is told in a substantial, believable form that makes it easy to soak up.

The tale is creepy and very spooky, for young adults. The fantastical notion of being able to reproduce yourself is also delivered in an absorbing manner. A plus, is also the fact that it teaches beneficial lessons about responsibility and not allowing one-self too become horridly selfish.

The congenial thing that I found in this novel, is the clear and concise description that Sleator infuses in this, as well as his other novels.

Here he creates a perfect narrative, for those young ones that may not be as able, yet, at imagining plot situations. He makes the content very "every day" so that the story is easily created in ones mind, and lends a great fluidity to the action progression.

Also, this book is fun.. it takes you on a story that is every kiddos fantasy, to be able to have duplicates, so many things can be done at the same time. Yet then, in a frightening turn, the clones turn on you, and now your scampering for your life.

The story is concrete, giving you solid creepy content and a pleasing conclusion. Its short at 160 pages, but that is fitting because it ends in just enough time to keep the concept from becoming tiresome.

Even if this book was written in the eighties.. It's still solid enough to entertain those young ones in this current generation.

-ZeN