Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
Three linked novellas about cyclic conquest and colonization. From the setting itself - the twin worlds of Saint-Croix and Sainte-Anne (endlessly circling each other) - to the layers of castes and inhabitants - first the native(?) Annese, half-legendary and maybe-probably extinct, then French human colonists, then non-French human colonists. The title novella, first in the triptych, is about the tyranny of generations. The second is literally "A Story," possibly of Annese provenance, but one of those only written down after the conquest, so the influence of the conqueror is obscure but there. The third is a twisted Kafkaesque mystery, starting from the never-explained initials of the title (we know they're the initials of a character, whose nature and place in the story is even more mysterious) and running right through the multiple overlapping narratives.
In other words, Wolfe is one hell of a writer. I think now that he is probably better at novella length or longer (odd for an sf writer!) even though some of the stories in "The Death of Doctor Island and Other Stories and Other Stories" were quite good and I really couldn't get into his later novel "Home Fires." This might be a bit twisty for a first read, definitely for a first excursion into sf.
In other words, Wolfe is one hell of a writer. I think now that he is probably better at novella length or longer (odd for an sf writer!) even though some of the stories in "The Death of Doctor Island and Other Stories and Other Stories" were quite good and I really couldn't get into his later novel "Home Fires." This might be a bit twisty for a first read, definitely for a first excursion into sf.
I struggled with how to rate this collection of three connected novellas. The title story is 5 star, or better, so I would encourage people to read it but the other two stories fall short
I wanted to try this because I've heard so many good things about Wolfe's Book of The New Sun series. That's a four book committment though and famously known as being written in an inaccessible style. So I thought I'd give this standalone a go to see if I can dig Wolfe's work.
I can now see what they mean about his storytelling. It's subtle to say the least. I will only touch loosely on the plot. This is 3 separate short novellas about the same alien worlds. The first and third are fairly conventional, at face value, science fiction tales. The middle is more fantastical, dream like and very obscure. By the time you get to the end the conclusion will likely leave you scrambling around to try and tie all the threads into a coherent linear plot. This is I can tell you is challenging.
However, to his credit Wolfe's prose is brilliant. Lyrical but not overbearing, there is an easy flow to it as the pages whizz by. I do prefer a central plot to be a little more accessible though so I can't really give this more than 3 stars.
To help decipher the book there is a total spoiler rider introduction in the SF Masterwork edition that should really be an after forward. Goes without saying, do not read this before the novel.
As to the Book of the New Sun. I'm going to add it to my TBR and give it a try in the future.
I can now see what they mean about his storytelling. It's subtle to say the least. I will only touch loosely on the plot. This is 3 separate short novellas about the same alien worlds. The first and third are fairly conventional, at face value, science fiction tales. The middle is more fantastical, dream like and very obscure. By the time you get to the end the conclusion will likely leave you scrambling around to try and tie all the threads into a coherent linear plot. This is I can tell you is challenging.
However, to his credit Wolfe's prose is brilliant. Lyrical but not overbearing, there is an easy flow to it as the pages whizz by. I do prefer a central plot to be a little more accessible though so I can't really give this more than 3 stars.
To help decipher the book there is a total spoiler rider introduction in the SF Masterwork edition that should really be an after forward. Goes without saying, do not read this before the novel.
As to the Book of the New Sun. I'm going to add it to my TBR and give it a try in the future.
While I do appreciate the skill in tying together the three stories that comprise this novel, I didn't really care at all when it came together.
This book came highly praised by multiple sources. It wasn't what I expected though..
It is structured into three parts: the first part is very Alastair Reynold-like, the second reminds me of a psychedelic dream sequence (by a native people), the third is just Kafkaesque. All three are intermingled, and very identity-focused. This is a book that makes you think, so it's not something primary to relax to (good, that it's just 222 pages then).
The second part is of a style that I wouldn't (or shouldn't) like at all. It's a sign of a good book, that I still was able to plow through without noticing that "I shouldn't like it".
I am not sure what I have been reading, but I am enjoyed it.
It is structured into three parts: the first part is very Alastair Reynold-like, the second reminds me of a psychedelic dream sequence (by a native people), the third is just Kafkaesque. All three are intermingled, and very identity-focused. This is a book that makes you think, so it's not something primary to relax to (good, that it's just 222 pages then).
The second part is of a style that I wouldn't (or shouldn't) like at all. It's a sign of a good book, that I still was able to plow through without noticing that "I shouldn't like it".
I am not sure what I have been reading, but I am enjoyed it.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated