Summary of the Article:
The recently released young adult novel, We Were the Cuckoo Bees, by local author Rich Shifman (pen name R.B. Shifman), was influenced by the political climate in the Central Bucks School District, particularly during the rise of Moms for Liberty and right-wing Christian extremists. The novel, dedicated to community members who played a role in flipping the school board for a more inclusive approach in late 2023, is set in a dystopian future where far-right ideologies dominate.
In an interview, Shifman discussed his background, growing up in Maryland and Florida before settling in the Doylestown area. He has a long history of writing, which he revisited seriously after 2019. His process involves early morning writing sessions, initial drafting, and immediate editing.
The book’s plot centers around a young boy abducted by an authoritarian regime called the Patriots and the Queens of Freedom, reflecting on themes of intelligence as a liability in oppressive societies and the consequences of ignoring rising fascism. Shifman drew parallels between the book’s events and real-life instances of political extremism witnessed at local school board meetings.
Shifman hopes readers will recognize the dangers of complacency in the face of growing undemocratic practices, emphasizing the importance of activism and community organization to prevent such a future.
Through this narrative, he aims to alert readers to the potential for authoritarianism and to inspire them to engage in proactive civic duty. The novel serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, reflecting real societal issues while offering a profound warning against apathy.
Shifman will be signing books locally, emphasizing that while We Were the Cuckoo Bees contains mature themes, it’s crucial reading for understanding present-day challenges related to fascism, totalitarianism, and the need for an informed, active citizenry.
