Cloned to Conform: Point Blanc and the Death of Individuality

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?

(00:00) - Intro & Series Overview
(00:30) - What is Point Blank? A Quick Recap
(01:10) - Crazy Plot Devices: Chimneys, Clones & Ironing Boards
(02:40) - The Core Theme: Cloning and Control
(04:00) - The Perfection Paradox in Parenting
(06:00) - Modern Filters: From Fiction to Instagram
(08:00) - Uniqueness vs Assimilation
(09:30) - What Today’s Influencers Reveal About Us
(10:45) - Are We Becoming Clones of Each Other?
(12:00) - The Real Cost of Perfectionism
(13:10) - Who Are You… Really?
(14:00) - If Point Blanc Was Written Today…
(14:45) - Final Thoughts on the Book & Concept

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