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A review by reflectiverambling_nalana
Rule of Two by Drew Karpyshyn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
It is clear to see how this story has had such longevity. The tonality and voice is reminiscent of some of the most prominent voices in sci-fi mid 20th century. But with the same stark imagery and vivid description, baffling to some extent, comes the same patronizing traits that came with what we now see being the echoes of toxic masculinity. Strange, of course, as this is a female author who chose to make our nameless female the objectified in her story. And yet, this only adds to its allure.
What is so striking and lasting about this novel is that it is a commentary of fixation, obsession. it is using the tool that was used against women of the time to highlight the contrast of how people and characters were handled. It is not only the world that is hard, decaying, and murky, but each of the characters is awash in grey-- traumatized, effected by their own hubris and surrender.
Also as astounding is the foresight Kavan had in what we now see as a rise in climate fiction. Not only in impending possible doom of a planet, but her commentaries and assumption of how the world governments and different populations would respond --how much goes ignored because people don't like to look at hopeless things-- is absolutely eerie.
While I can't say I adored this, I certainly see the craft within.
What is so striking and lasting about this novel is that it is a commentary of fixation, obsession. it is using the tool that was used against women of the time to highlight the contrast of how people and characters were handled. It is not only the world that is hard, decaying, and murky, but each of the characters is awash in grey-- traumatized, effected by their own hubris and surrender.
Also as astounding is the foresight Kavan had in what we now see as a rise in climate fiction. Not only in impending possible doom of a planet, but her commentaries and assumption of how the world governments and different populations would respond --how much goes ignored because people don't like to look at hopeless things-- is absolutely eerie.
While I can't say I adored this, I certainly see the craft within.