SEVERANCE definitely keeps you reading with very intentional writing, and I liked the easy transition between Candace Chen’s past and present. Candace is a funny, whip-smart protagonist that I definitely saw myself in. Her story and journey definitely makes you think twice about the comfort and security in routine. At some point, I found myself wondering if the fever was a metaphor for the rottenness and obsession with routine in our modern society? There’s also themes of work culture, capitalism, family dynamics, and immigration.