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tensy's review
3.0
A simply told 1960s science fiction novel with some wild world building. Reviewers have remarked that elements such as 'stroon', which is the product cultivated on Norstrilia that gives people longevity, is very similar to Herbert's spice in Dune, which wasn't written until much later. This is an interesting mix of science fiction, economics and weird down-under euphemisms. It certainly needed a longer exposition to fully develop all these concepts. I also read a short biography of the author (Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger used Smith as a pseudonym) and he had an amazing career as an East Asia scholar and expert in psychological warfare.
maryrobinette's review
2.0
This started so well, with exciting narrative style. It broke rules and I was really looking forward to seeing where it took me. And then, it just meandered and eventually fizzeled out. I was sad.
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