A review by bigenk
Triton by Samuel R. Delany

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I like this novel well enough for it's ideas and themes. Delany explore a society in which individuals can be, and seemingly do, whatever or whoever they want to be. At the same time, this society is one that is still overwhelmed with the weight of social and economic class, a government that apologetically spies on it's citizens, and war that indiscriminately kills citizens. It's a deeply troubled world that has very specific freedoms, most of which revolve around sexuality and gender. It feels very forward thinking in that manner, considering it's date of publication. 

That being said, it was (at least most of the time) a painful slog to read through. Reading through the internal monologue of a misogynist that struggles to find their place in a libertarian utopia is, unsurprisingly, not the most fun thing in the world. Not that I think it was intended to be. But I can't help but feel that there is a middle ground here somewhere. I think you can explore all the same ideas about sexuality, gender, and self expression, while also having a story that is at least interesting. The writing style didn't help either, though I did find myself getting used to it over the course of the book.

I'm hoping to find other examples of Delany's work that I enjoy more. I also hope that a re-read in the future can be more enjoyable, because I really did like the underlying themes