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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Sci-fi klasika, ktorá sa 95% času tvári ako fantasy.
A úspešne. Stále som si musela pripomínať, že: Hej! Veď tie magické hady vlastne nie sú magické, ale geneticky modifikované. A izolované púštne spoločenstvá neexistujú preto, že sa príbeh odohráva v kvázi-minulosti, kde žijú všetci jednoduchým pastierskym životom, ako ich predkovia, ale preto, že po nukleárnej katastrofe v ďalekej budúcnosti nemali inú možnosť.
Do toho prichádza na svojej geneticky modifikovanej koňozebre liečiteľka Snake, ktorá sebavedomo - ale hlavne s rozpustenými vlasmi - brázdi rádioaktívne púšte, hľadá komunity, v ktorých potrebujú lekára, kde pomocou svojich troch hadov a absolútne nevyžiadaných rád ohľadov všetkého možného, len nie medicíny zachraňuje svet.
A to je celé. Snake sa premiestňuje z jednej osady do druhej, lieči ľudí, stále zabúda, že jej putovanie má aj komplexnejšiu misiu, ktorá sa začne riešiť až pri úplnom konci knihy. Jaj a instaromanca s chlapíkom, ktorý má oblečený zväčša len loincloth.
A úspešne. Stále som si musela pripomínať, že: Hej! Veď tie magické hady vlastne nie sú magické, ale geneticky modifikované. A izolované púštne spoločenstvá neexistujú preto, že sa príbeh odohráva v kvázi-minulosti, kde žijú všetci jednoduchým pastierskym životom, ako ich predkovia, ale preto, že po nukleárnej katastrofe v ďalekej budúcnosti nemali inú možnosť.
Do toho prichádza na svojej geneticky modifikovanej koňozebre liečiteľka Snake, ktorá sebavedomo - ale hlavne s rozpustenými vlasmi - brázdi rádioaktívne púšte, hľadá komunity, v ktorých potrebujú lekára, kde pomocou svojich troch hadov a absolútne nevyžiadaných rád ohľadov všetkého možného, len nie medicíny zachraňuje svet.
A to je celé. Snake sa premiestňuje z jednej osady do druhej, lieči ľudí, stále zabúda, že jej putovanie má aj komplexnejšiu misiu, ktorá sa začne riešiť až pri úplnom konci knihy. Jaj a instaromanca s chlapíkom, ktorý má oblečený zväčša len loincloth.
Dreamsnake is the extension of the award winning novelette [b:Of Mist, And Grass, And Sand|808976|Of Mist, And Grass, And Sand|Vonda N. McIntyre|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|794917] and is set at the same time and planet Earth as [b:The Exile Waiting|876331|The Exile Waiting|Vonda N. McIntyre|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386432421s/876331.jpg|861673].
It reads like a fantasy story like [b:Tehanu|13661|Tehanu (Earthsea Cycle, #4)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924581s/13661.jpg|2902890] for the first 50 pages before it becomes clear that it is a post-nuclear SF setting.
It follows a young, female healer called "Snake" within her probationary year. The eponymous Dreamsnakes are one of three kinds of snakes that healers in this setting use. They are irreplacable, because they rarely reproduce, can't be cloned and a loss is therefore devastating for healers. Now, Snake lost her dreamsnake, and this novel is about the quest to find replacement.
On her quest, she falls in love, adopts a child, goes through lots of harshness. She is presented in general as a strong woman, who commits errors but also learns from them. It is very easy to identify with her.
Writing is often very emotional, it uses more descriptive than action-oriented scenes, is more on the quiet side.
I found a very good interview at io9. McIntyre talks about how she came to the story (a Clarion workshop word draw), her reaction about Arevin's (non-)masculinity, the publishing situation in the 70s, the out-of-print problem of older book (and bookviewcafe's answer to it). She also talks about one of the side-character's (Merideth) gender - you might have noticed, that his/her sex isn't revealed at all through pronouns etc.
The interview deepened my impression that there are lots of interesting ideas pressed into this slim book. Emotions, characterization, and setting are absolutely worthwhile your reading time, and it deserved the triple Hugo/Nebula/Locus awards.
It reads like a fantasy story like [b:Tehanu|13661|Tehanu (Earthsea Cycle, #4)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386924581s/13661.jpg|2902890] for the first 50 pages before it becomes clear that it is a post-nuclear SF setting.
It follows a young, female healer called "Snake" within her probationary year. The eponymous Dreamsnakes are one of three kinds of snakes that healers in this setting use. They are irreplacable, because they rarely reproduce, can't be cloned and a loss is therefore devastating for healers. Now, Snake lost her dreamsnake, and this novel is about the quest to find replacement.
On her quest, she falls in love, adopts a child, goes through lots of harshness. She is presented in general as a strong woman, who commits errors but also learns from them. It is very easy to identify with her.
Writing is often very emotional, it uses more descriptive than action-oriented scenes, is more on the quiet side.
I found a very good interview at io9. McIntyre talks about how she came to the story (a Clarion workshop word draw), her reaction about Arevin's (non-)masculinity, the publishing situation in the 70s, the out-of-print problem of older book (and bookviewcafe's answer to it). She also talks about one of the side-character's (Merideth) gender - you might have noticed, that his/her sex isn't revealed at all through pronouns etc.
The interview deepened my impression that there are lots of interesting ideas pressed into this slim book. Emotions, characterization, and setting are absolutely worthwhile your reading time, and it deserved the triple Hugo/Nebula/Locus awards.
Published in the late 70's the book had a cheerful yellow pattern on the library rebinding. The story is expanded from the author's short story "Of Mist, Grass and Sand". The snake carrying healer of the story ventures from there into her post-apocalyptic world of residual radiation, medieval villages, desert people, locked down cities and broken domes. Travel, danger, compassion, sex and romance. All the good stuff's there. (February 25, 2004)
Okay obviously this book isn't for me because I'm not a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre, but I basically just found it really boring. Apparently it was expanded from a short story, which maybe explains why it has so many pages of so much nothing happening.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dreamsnake by Vonda N. McIntyre
Vonda N. McIntyre wrote books with well-developed female characters at a time when they were relatively uncommon in science fiction literature. I think you would be hard-pressed to find another novel from the 1970s which features a stronger female lead role. And Snake is no cliched Amazon warrior woman. In fact, she is quite the opposite, since she eschews violence whenever possible on principle. Rather, Snake is a healer, and is described with all the nuances and contradictions that a complete human being should have.
The worldbuilding in this post-apocalyptic story is superb, which is surprising if you consider how little we are told about it by the author. There are no tedious information dumps masquerading as conversations, and everything about the history and state of the world is achieved through well-timed hints and oblique references. The landscape of the semi-desert environment is described in sumptuous detail, but this is seamlessly merged into the lyrical and fast-paced narrative so that the reader absorbs the atmosphere effortlessly. The author evidently devoted considerable effort to developing the emotional identities of her principal characters, since the novel possesses a strongly introspective element which adds a satisfying dimension of depth and meaning.
Since Snake is a practitioner of medicine in a world which has in many ways returned to primitive conditions, and probably due to the need for sufficiently powerful and convincing scenarios to drive the plot forward, some of the descriptions of medical conditions and procedures may be disconcerting to more squeamish readers. Also, this may not be the ideal book for people who suffer from herpetophobia, unless they are actively seeking to overcome the condition. While reading the first third of the novel, I was impressed by the author's ability to make me feel quite an intense level of concern about the fate of one particular snake, which I think is quite an achievement in itself.
Dreamsnake works well on several levels, not least as a tightly-plotted mystery and adventure story which culminates in a gratifying climax. For me, the whole work was suffused with a surreal quality which evoked an engaging sense of wonder.
Vonda N. McIntyre wrote books with well-developed female characters at a time when they were relatively uncommon in science fiction literature. I think you would be hard-pressed to find another novel from the 1970s which features a stronger female lead role. And Snake is no cliched Amazon warrior woman. In fact, she is quite the opposite, since she eschews violence whenever possible on principle. Rather, Snake is a healer, and is described with all the nuances and contradictions that a complete human being should have.
The worldbuilding in this post-apocalyptic story is superb, which is surprising if you consider how little we are told about it by the author. There are no tedious information dumps masquerading as conversations, and everything about the history and state of the world is achieved through well-timed hints and oblique references. The landscape of the semi-desert environment is described in sumptuous detail, but this is seamlessly merged into the lyrical and fast-paced narrative so that the reader absorbs the atmosphere effortlessly. The author evidently devoted considerable effort to developing the emotional identities of her principal characters, since the novel possesses a strongly introspective element which adds a satisfying dimension of depth and meaning.
Since Snake is a practitioner of medicine in a world which has in many ways returned to primitive conditions, and probably due to the need for sufficiently powerful and convincing scenarios to drive the plot forward, some of the descriptions of medical conditions and procedures may be disconcerting to more squeamish readers. Also, this may not be the ideal book for people who suffer from herpetophobia, unless they are actively seeking to overcome the condition. While reading the first third of the novel, I was impressed by the author's ability to make me feel quite an intense level of concern about the fate of one particular snake, which I think is quite an achievement in itself.
Dreamsnake works well on several levels, not least as a tightly-plotted mystery and adventure story which culminates in a gratifying climax. For me, the whole work was suffused with a surreal quality which evoked an engaging sense of wonder.
adventurous
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dreamsnake came highly recommended as a gift from a friend. After reading, I couldn’t agree more. An independent and flawed Snake travels through a setting so interesting it co-stars. I love the world building so much; I will read The Exile Waiting, which is set in the same place.
Snake’s quest appears simple enough but that’s the beauty of it. It’s complete, compelling and personal, which is refreshing in a genre dominated by surviving or saving the world. It is an optimistic yet down to earth post-apocalyptic. And an enjoyable journey to boot.
Published in 1978, Dreamsnake takes on sex, gender, orientation, and rape with insight and courage. From having a love interest that bucks toxic masculinity to a woman protagonist that can save herself, it’s progressive for its time and remains so.
Vonda McIntyre broke tremendous ground with Dreamsnake, a daring story so well written that even the Hugo’s had to award her. She’s the third woman to ever win one and since 1979, only six others have accomplished that feat. (Though that really says more about the Hugo Awards then the authors.)
Pros
Loved Snake and Melissa. Well-done flushed out characters with true flaws born of their backstory and environment
Loved the world building, with biocontrol, polyamorous relationships and interacting with different tribes.
Social justice and Sci-fi aspects holds up, groundbreaking when first published and now
Enjoyed Snake’s quest with her mysterious stalker and patients
Villain’s interesting and had a point about healers and ableism
Striking details add insightful realism worthy of discussion
Cons
Didn’t like the instant attraction romance becoming so important (though I didn’t hate it altogether either)
Villain’s last act was odd. I wish we got more information, maybe that would make their last actions more believable
Somewhat unsatisfied with the ending, wanted to go deeper into Snake’s world
Exploring Older Sci-Fi as a Fantasy Reader
Catspaw was my first non-young adult dystopian sci-fi book. I loved Catspaw (I have friends with great tastes) but was impatient with waiting to discover more while reading. I learned I’ve got to chill the fuck out when it comes to Science Fiction.
I took that to heart and Dreamsnake fared better for it. I waited for explanations of in-world terms and enjoyed the journey. I ran into a wall though when Snake finally spoke with the Gatekeeper. It left more questions than answers, which frustrated me.
I wonder if that barrier will remain since I found fantasy young rather than science fiction. This bias probably explains why I wasn’t completely pleased when finished reading. Dreamsnake’s great but I wasn’t sated.
Or, thinking more positively, maybe I liked the world so much I wanted more than the story could give. I do love my young adult books. I’m unsure how old Snake is but given she’s on her own for the first time I imagine she qualifies. Or close enough.
It is classed as an adult book though. Yet Catspaw’s edgier. There’s like two non-graphic sex scenes and talk of child rape. So I’d be cool reading this as a teen (I wish I did) and letting my daughter read it when she’s ready.
Building Blocks of an Optimistic Post-Apocalyptic
I fucking LOVE Snake’s world. I find every aspect interesting, refreshing or just plain cool. Like bio-control, poly relationships, and Snake’s healing, which seemed like archaic home remedies until explained.
There’s little details that ring true and make for good discussion like xenophobia, the scaremongering propaganda inside the Center and human presumptions. Snake’s meeting the Gatekeeper was captivating in the assumptions they made about each other.
I loved Snake’s journey through it all haunted by a mysterious stalker. I liked the twists and the endgame villain. Her quest seems straightforward in a genre that’s booming with books but it’s enjoyable and surprising.
I recommend it for post-apocalyptic fans and non-fans alike. It's a fun trip that doesn’t brain you with the usual tropes decrying “doom!” It’s also a nice break, having an outsider's take instead of the overseen setup where insiders discover the lies.
It’s not “humanity has screwed itself” or even “the 1% will screw us to death”. Rather than the wild wild west, or action flicks, people band together and cooperate with in- and out-groups. Life goes on. Everything isn’t perfect but it’s ratio of assholes to non-assholes is realistic.
Has Time Changed Her into Snake Sue?
Reading other reviews you’ll see several people call Snake a(n almost) Mary Sue. I don’t agree and would like to offer a counterview. Besides the whole “those characteristics are just general main character traits in fiction so it’s only useful when talking about fanfiction” thing. First up, some rebuttals to typical Mary Sue traits:
--Mary Sue’s are perfect. Besides being the classic altruist hero, Snake’s naïve, arrogant, shortsighted, and headstrong. She runs into situations without a plan propelled by pressure, passion, and pride. Of which, she doesn’t come out unscathed.
--Everyone loves and trusts Mary Sue upon meeting her and those that don’t are evil. The Mayor, Collectors, and Arevin’s tribe don’t trust her immediately and aren’t villains or reviled. In fact, lack of trust starts Snake’s quest when fearful, ignorant people kill her dreamsnake.
Then there's Center, who's assholish to every outsider. If Center threw open its doors and broke all their rules, I’d think that’d be suspiciously Mary Sue-like but that doesn’t happen either.
--Humble like an Everyman but clearly Elite in Abilities. The one area she’s exceptionally skilled in is healing; she did do something extraordinary during training. However, she can’t reproduce it or heal everyone. Her snakes are also snakes. She’s trained them during school but they’re still animals. They aren’t subservient nor cartoonishly in love with her a la Snow White.
Besides, humble is not how I’d describe her. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished and arrogant, which leads to problems. Plus, she has no unusual eye color, hair color, or backstory to mark her as special either.
--Reality Bends to Accommodate Mary Sue: There’s only two instances that I’d say were rather convenient. However, they’re reasonable like a panther running away and rain after a storm. It’s minor details like touching the panther that rang rather absurdly lucky. But the whole encounters aren’t rule breaking.
Is Snake still Mary Sue-esque?
--"A key point: It's when a trait exists more to make somebody stand out than to develop them as a character that it starts going into Mary Sue territory (unless it's Played for Laughs).
--Sue-full all along? Sometimes it's just one eye-rolling event too many that leads you to think back over your hero or heroine's career and wonder "Is she ever wrong about anything that's important?" or "Is there anyone in the story who isn't completely obsessed with him?" Sometimes Sue-ness is occasionally annoying, but livable-with."
Her healing and her relationships aren’t to make her special. They do further her character, especially the ending. It’s also not exclusive to her. Anyone could’ve been the hero. She’s just the first to go this route and headstrong enough to follow through. She carves this path through talent, will, and luck in sensible quantities.
Granted, Mary Sue is a controversial trope that hardly anyone can agree on. It’s worth remembering that our entertainment has shifted into dark and gritty territory. Not as an excuse, but for context and perspective.
Still, I don’t think Snake’s a Sue. Unless now a good hero qualifies as a Mary Sue, then I don’t get the complaints. It’s like saying Superman’s a Marty Stu. Of course, Superman is an ideal while Snake is not...
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention feminist critiques of the trope Mary Sue:
the label seems to be used more indiscriminately on female characters who do not behave in accordance with the dominant culture's images and expectations for females as opposed to males.[12] Professional author Ann C. Crispin is quoted as saying: "The term 'Mary Sue' constitutes a put-down, implying that the character so summarily dismissed is not a true character, no matter how well drawn, what sex, species, or degree of individuality."[13]
Bacon-Smith, Camille (1 December 1991). Enterprising Women: Television Fandom and the Creation of Popular Myth. Pg 97, 98
Romance: Feminist, Sweet, & Unconvincing
Snake’s romance is better when I think about it but while reading I wasn’t moved. They connect and depart so quickly, which made it hard to accept when that sub-plot become important.
I did enjoy seeing the journey through the eyes of Snake’s would-be lover and the contrasts between the two. I also like how xe’s not a knight in shining armor nor typically masculine. I do appreciate that their hunt to find Snake was morally motivated and would’ve happened regardless.
However, their romantic attachment is tenuous. Then it overshadows, making it easy to forget why xe set out in the first place. It’s as if doing the right thing was merely a guise to cover for someone so thirsty, you’d think they were desert-stranded.
Sorry, I don’t find insta-love compelling. If I go into a book prepared, as with romantic suspense, I do better. But I wasn’t ready for it, I just went in knowing Dreamsnake was a revolutionary feminist sci-fi novel. It delivered that in spades, even in the two places I wasn’t hot on.
Their romance has great elements and I don’t hate them being a couple but I wasn’t won over. Not yet anyways, they’re sweet but they’ve got a long way to get home.
The Last Boss: Last Minute Flop
I liked The Villain’s characterization. They had a point about healers and ableism. Still a bastard, but gotta give ‘em credit for being such a smart one. However, there’s one point that I don’t grok: the final showdown reaction.
Their weakness I believe, but not the way they handled it. It’s like Achilles whacking himself in the heel when someone does nothing but threaten to hit him there. The antagonist is interesting but needs more information and depth so the last part made sense. Instead of being so damn odd.
We skim along like sandwinder when bigger stories, places, and people loom. Snake’s quest does end and it’s easy to see her future from where she lands. I was happy and pleased, but not fulfilled. However, I don’t think that’s a fault in Dreamsnake. That’s me wanting more. Science Fiction has that effect on me apparently.
I’ll be reading The Exile Waiting, which follows a young woman who lives in The Center. There's also The Moon and the Sun, which combines science fiction and historical romance between King Louis XIV’s court. It beat out The Song of Fire and Ice and won the 1997 Nebula Award for Best Novel. Adding fantasy elements is the only way to get me reading such complicated courting and lineage. I couldn’t care or make it through such hits like The Other Boleyn Girl.
If all that doesn’t convince you, here’s Ursela K. LeGuin’s review (Link: Spoiler Warning):
Dreamsnake is written in a clear, quick-moving prose, with brief, lyrically intense landscape passages that take the reader straight into its half-familiar, half-strange desert world, and fine descriptions of the characters’ emotional states and moods and changes. And its generosity to those characters is quite unusual, particularly in science fiction with its tendency to competitive elitism.
Recommendation: Yes, fantastic science fiction with a female protagonist though I wish it went deeper into the flourishing world it resides in.
About the Author
Look at her bead creatures! I can barely make a bracelet. From her many awards, here’s a great interview with io9
Snake’s quest appears simple enough but that’s the beauty of it. It’s complete, compelling and personal, which is refreshing in a genre dominated by surviving or saving the world. It is an optimistic yet down to earth post-apocalyptic. And an enjoyable journey to boot.
Published in 1978, Dreamsnake takes on sex, gender, orientation, and rape with insight and courage. From having a love interest that bucks toxic masculinity to a woman protagonist that can save herself, it’s progressive for its time and remains so.
Vonda McIntyre broke tremendous ground with Dreamsnake, a daring story so well written that even the Hugo’s had to award her. She’s the third woman to ever win one and since 1979, only six others have accomplished that feat. (Though that really says more about the Hugo Awards then the authors.)
Pros
Loved Snake and Melissa. Well-done flushed out characters with true flaws born of their backstory and environment
Loved the world building, with biocontrol, polyamorous relationships and interacting with different tribes.
Social justice and Sci-fi aspects holds up, groundbreaking when first published and now
Enjoyed Snake’s quest with her mysterious stalker and patients
Villain’s interesting and had a point about healers and ableism
Striking details add insightful realism worthy of discussion
Cons
Didn’t like the instant attraction romance becoming so important (though I didn’t hate it altogether either)
Villain’s last act was odd. I wish we got more information, maybe that would make their last actions more believable
Somewhat unsatisfied with the ending, wanted to go deeper into Snake’s world
Exploring Older Sci-Fi as a Fantasy Reader
Catspaw was my first non-young adult dystopian sci-fi book. I loved Catspaw (I have friends with great tastes) but was impatient with waiting to discover more while reading. I learned I’ve got to chill the fuck out when it comes to Science Fiction.
I took that to heart and Dreamsnake fared better for it. I waited for explanations of in-world terms and enjoyed the journey. I ran into a wall though when Snake finally spoke with the Gatekeeper. It left more questions than answers, which frustrated me.
I wonder if that barrier will remain since I found fantasy young rather than science fiction. This bias probably explains why I wasn’t completely pleased when finished reading. Dreamsnake’s great but I wasn’t sated.
Or, thinking more positively, maybe I liked the world so much I wanted more than the story could give. I do love my young adult books. I’m unsure how old Snake is but given she’s on her own for the first time I imagine she qualifies. Or close enough.
It is classed as an adult book though. Yet Catspaw’s edgier. There’s like two non-graphic sex scenes and talk of child rape. So I’d be cool reading this as a teen (I wish I did) and letting my daughter read it when she’s ready.
Building Blocks of an Optimistic Post-Apocalyptic
I fucking LOVE Snake’s world. I find every aspect interesting, refreshing or just plain cool. Like bio-control, poly relationships, and Snake’s healing, which seemed like archaic home remedies until explained.
There’s little details that ring true and make for good discussion like xenophobia, the scaremongering propaganda inside the Center and human presumptions. Snake’s meeting the Gatekeeper was captivating in the assumptions they made about each other.
I loved Snake’s journey through it all haunted by a mysterious stalker. I liked the twists and the endgame villain. Her quest seems straightforward in a genre that’s booming with books but it’s enjoyable and surprising.
I recommend it for post-apocalyptic fans and non-fans alike. It's a fun trip that doesn’t brain you with the usual tropes decrying “doom!” It’s also a nice break, having an outsider's take instead of the overseen setup where insiders discover the lies.
It’s not “humanity has screwed itself” or even “the 1% will screw us to death”. Rather than the wild wild west, or action flicks, people band together and cooperate with in- and out-groups. Life goes on. Everything isn’t perfect but it’s ratio of assholes to non-assholes is realistic.
Has Time Changed Her into Snake Sue?
Reading other reviews you’ll see several people call Snake a(n almost) Mary Sue. I don’t agree and would like to offer a counterview. Besides the whole “those characteristics are just general main character traits in fiction so it’s only useful when talking about fanfiction” thing. First up, some rebuttals to typical Mary Sue traits:
--Mary Sue’s are perfect. Besides being the classic altruist hero, Snake’s naïve, arrogant, shortsighted, and headstrong. She runs into situations without a plan propelled by pressure, passion, and pride. Of which, she doesn’t come out unscathed.
--Everyone loves and trusts Mary Sue upon meeting her and those that don’t are evil. The Mayor, Collectors, and Arevin’s tribe don’t trust her immediately and aren’t villains or reviled. In fact, lack of trust starts Snake’s quest when fearful, ignorant people kill her dreamsnake.
Then there's Center, who's assholish to every outsider. If Center threw open its doors and broke all their rules, I’d think that’d be suspiciously Mary Sue-like but that doesn’t happen either.
--Humble like an Everyman but clearly Elite in Abilities. The one area she’s exceptionally skilled in is healing; she did do something extraordinary during training. However, she can’t reproduce it or heal everyone. Her snakes are also snakes. She’s trained them during school but they’re still animals. They aren’t subservient nor cartoonishly in love with her a la Snow White.
Besides, humble is not how I’d describe her. She’s proud of what she’s accomplished and arrogant, which leads to problems. Plus, she has no unusual eye color, hair color, or backstory to mark her as special either.
--Reality Bends to Accommodate Mary Sue: There’s only two instances that I’d say were rather convenient. However, they’re reasonable like a panther running away and rain after a storm. It’s minor details like touching the panther that rang rather absurdly lucky. But the whole encounters aren’t rule breaking.
Is Snake still Mary Sue-esque?
--"A key point: It's when a trait exists more to make somebody stand out than to develop them as a character that it starts going into Mary Sue territory (unless it's Played for Laughs).
--Sue-full all along? Sometimes it's just one eye-rolling event too many that leads you to think back over your hero or heroine's career and wonder "Is she ever wrong about anything that's important?" or "Is there anyone in the story who isn't completely obsessed with him?" Sometimes Sue-ness is occasionally annoying, but livable-with."
Her healing and her relationships aren’t to make her special. They do further her character, especially the ending. It’s also not exclusive to her. Anyone could’ve been the hero. She’s just the first to go this route and headstrong enough to follow through. She carves this path through talent, will, and luck in sensible quantities.
Granted, Mary Sue is a controversial trope that hardly anyone can agree on. It’s worth remembering that our entertainment has shifted into dark and gritty territory. Not as an excuse, but for context and perspective.
Still, I don’t think Snake’s a Sue. Unless now a good hero qualifies as a Mary Sue, then I don’t get the complaints. It’s like saying Superman’s a Marty Stu. Of course, Superman is an ideal while Snake is not...
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention feminist critiques of the trope Mary Sue:
the label seems to be used more indiscriminately on female characters who do not behave in accordance with the dominant culture's images and expectations for females as opposed to males.[12] Professional author Ann C. Crispin is quoted as saying: "The term 'Mary Sue' constitutes a put-down, implying that the character so summarily dismissed is not a true character, no matter how well drawn, what sex, species, or degree of individuality."[13]
Bacon-Smith, Camille (1 December 1991). Enterprising Women: Television Fandom and the Creation of Popular Myth. Pg 97, 98
Romance: Feminist, Sweet, & Unconvincing
Snake’s romance is better when I think about it but while reading I wasn’t moved. They connect and depart so quickly, which made it hard to accept when that sub-plot become important.
I did enjoy seeing the journey through the eyes of Snake’s would-be lover and the contrasts between the two. I also like how xe’s not a knight in shining armor nor typically masculine. I do appreciate that their hunt to find Snake was morally motivated and would’ve happened regardless.
However, their romantic attachment is tenuous. Then it overshadows, making it easy to forget why xe set out in the first place. It’s as if doing the right thing was merely a guise to cover for someone so thirsty, you’d think they were desert-stranded.
Sorry, I don’t find insta-love compelling. If I go into a book prepared, as with romantic suspense, I do better. But I wasn’t ready for it, I just went in knowing Dreamsnake was a revolutionary feminist sci-fi novel. It delivered that in spades, even in the two places I wasn’t hot on.
Their romance has great elements and I don’t hate them being a couple but I wasn’t won over. Not yet anyways, they’re sweet but they’ve got a long way to get home.
The Last Boss: Last Minute Flop
I liked The Villain’s characterization. They had a point about healers and ableism. Still a bastard, but gotta give ‘em credit for being such a smart one. However, there’s one point that I don’t grok: the final showdown reaction.
Their weakness I believe, but not the way they handled it. It’s like Achilles whacking himself in the heel when someone does nothing but threaten to hit him there. The antagonist is interesting but needs more information and depth so the last part made sense. Instead of being so damn odd.
We skim along like sandwinder when bigger stories, places, and people loom. Snake’s quest does end and it’s easy to see her future from where she lands. I was happy and pleased, but not fulfilled. However, I don’t think that’s a fault in Dreamsnake. That’s me wanting more. Science Fiction has that effect on me apparently.
I’ll be reading The Exile Waiting, which follows a young woman who lives in The Center. There's also The Moon and the Sun, which combines science fiction and historical romance between King Louis XIV’s court. It beat out The Song of Fire and Ice and won the 1997 Nebula Award for Best Novel. Adding fantasy elements is the only way to get me reading such complicated courting and lineage. I couldn’t care or make it through such hits like The Other Boleyn Girl.
If all that doesn’t convince you, here’s Ursela K. LeGuin’s review (Link: Spoiler Warning):
Dreamsnake is written in a clear, quick-moving prose, with brief, lyrically intense landscape passages that take the reader straight into its half-familiar, half-strange desert world, and fine descriptions of the characters’ emotional states and moods and changes. And its generosity to those characters is quite unusual, particularly in science fiction with its tendency to competitive elitism.
Recommendation: Yes, fantastic science fiction with a female protagonist though I wish it went deeper into the flourishing world it resides in.
About the Author
Look at her bead creatures! I can barely make a bracelet. From her many awards, here’s a great interview with io9