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A review by jonathanpalfrey
Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi
3.0
This is a modern rewrite of Piper's [b:Little Fuzzy|676209|Little Fuzzy|H. Beam Piper|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1301861911l/676209._SY75_.jpg|1876891] (1962), with roughly similar but updated characters and plot.
I initially thought this version was an improvement; but, having reread "Little Fuzzy", I'm no longer convinced of that.
In its favour, Scalzi's version is of course more up to date; it makes a somewhat more gripping story; and the characterization is more subtle. However, the effect is to make all the human characters less likeable (or more dislikeable) than they were originally. The Fuzzies themselves are the only likeable characters left in it, but we see less of them.
The story becomes a legal case history that may appeal mainly to lawyers. I followed it with interest on first reading; but, in retrospect, if I want to return to this story in the future, I think I'd prefer to read Piper's version.
I initially thought this version was an improvement; but, having reread "Little Fuzzy", I'm no longer convinced of that.
In its favour, Scalzi's version is of course more up to date; it makes a somewhat more gripping story; and the characterization is more subtle. However, the effect is to make all the human characters less likeable (or more dislikeable) than they were originally. The Fuzzies themselves are the only likeable characters left in it, but we see less of them.
The story becomes a legal case history that may appeal mainly to lawyers. I followed it with interest on first reading; but, in retrospect, if I want to return to this story in the future, I think I'd prefer to read Piper's version.