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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
So much and so little happens in this book. The plot-driven action, to the extent there is any, could be summarized in a sentence. But the point was to get swept away by the character and his environment and KSR certainly took me on a good ride. I could have done with less on the penis-end . . . . there should be a max number of times an author is permitted to use a word like "spurtmilk," and that number should probably be in single digits. But otherwise, thoroughly enjoyable and creative in content and style.
Wasn't too sure about this when I started, but loved Robinson's take on historical fiction. Still the detail oriented writing that I believe is one of the key features of his brand of hard sci-fi, but using the culture and survival of Early European Modern Humans as his starting point. I ended up caring about the characters and deeply fascinated by the story. Really dug it.
A window into the ancient world. Slow paced, but the story draws you ever onward.
I do not even pretend to have deep knowledge of anthropology. But I know that KSR makes every attempt to get the science and engineering right in his future-focused books (including my new Robinson favorite, [b:Aurora|23197269|Aurora|Kim Stanley Robinson|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1436300570s/23197269.jpg|42742263]. So I assume the details in this novel are correct. The story itself is not particularly complex or world-shaking. None of the main characters are discovering new things or breaking new ground (as was the case in those groan-inducing Jean Auel novels). Here, the pleasure lies in getting to know the characters themselves and seeing life as it was in Ice Age times. And Robinson doesn't sugar-coat that life. He shows that it was filled with constant work, frequent hunger, and many kinds of dangers. But the humans in it are still humans: understandable and engaging.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is a kind of thought experiment of what it might have been like to live in the ice age. It's kind of like Clan of the Cave Bear but way smarter and more literary. Also less rapey than the first book, and less sensual than the later books.
Probably his weakest book to date, but surprisingly feminist for a book about prehistoric humans.
I’m either really in the mood for KSR, or I’m really not. I love this concept, and in theory I think it’s a great one for this author. But in practice, I’m just not feeling it. Maybe later.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book! Totally different to what I normally like! It's definitely more character based and slow but I actually enjoyed it! Such an interesting premise as well! Having now read a sci fi and a historical fiction by Kim Stanley Robinson and loved them, I will definitely try and read more of his stuff!