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A review by sullyisreading
Lifeboat by Harry Harrison, Gordon R. Dickson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I haven't read many novels that are shorter than two-hundred pages in the past - this is certainly changing though. I found the length of the story perfect for what was told, made enjoyable hut effective and intriguing writing about a pressure-boiler situation where survival is all that matters. Without giving too much of a spoiler, the conclusion ends very satisfying despite what is at stake.
Some things do not get explored entirely; although Giles solves his argument with Paul over the matter of life into the future for humans, alongside Albenareth, the matter of Adelman and arbite-slaves is left hanging in the air. Will humanity reach a point similar to what Paul wants, or Giles - can this be achieved without bloodshed? Questions are left hanging that could have been explored more, however this is not a serious issue.
I wished to have known more about Mara, who stood out as the most interesting character to me besides the other main characters of the story, however she is left without much characterisation towards the end. For the length of the story, and the emphasis on survival in the plot, it makes sense that certain characters feel unexplored, however this is still something that feels could have been expanded on some more from a reading point of view.
Overall, an incredibly enjoyable read, and I finished the book in around a week.
Some things do not get explored entirely; although Giles solves his argument with Paul over the matter of life into the future for humans, alongside Albenareth, the matter of Adelman and arbite-slaves is left hanging in the air. Will humanity reach a point similar to what Paul wants, or Giles - can this be achieved without bloodshed? Questions are left hanging that could have been explored more, however this is not a serious issue.
I wished to have known more about Mara, who stood out as the most interesting character to me besides the other main characters of the story, however she is left without much characterisation towards the end. For the length of the story, and the emphasis on survival in the plot, it makes sense that certain characters feel unexplored, however this is still something that feels could have been expanded on some more from a reading point of view.
Overall, an incredibly enjoyable read, and I finished the book in around a week.