A review by manuphoto
Slan by A.E. van Vogt

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.5

It’s somewhat dated, it’s pulpy, it contains sexism, but for all these very 1940s faults, Slan is actually a very good sci-fi novel, noticeably better than many works from that era. Van Vogt’s prose is clear and well paced. The whole book is quite the page turner and was enjoyable to read. 

 

The core concept of the book is fairly simple but touches on the themes of  discrimination, racism and even slavery. It does so in a way that I enjoy: rather than telling us what is right or wrong, the author is showing us a speculative future to get his point across. That, to me, is one of the greatest strength of speculative fiction and van Vogt does that very well in this novel. 

 

It’s definitely a very 1940’s book, with an evil global government very akin to a fascist State, ruling over Earth. Van Vogt touches on State-enforced bigotry and racism in an interesting and influential way. It is also presented from various point of views, adding depth and context. 

 

Just be aware, every female character is introduced and often described through their looks. The males will be “handsome” or “fine looking”, but the females will be described in much more… detail. As I said, it’s a book from the 1940’s and some parts are very dated. That being said, the females have more agency than most in other books from that era, so there are some positives here. 

 

It reads like a thriller and Van Vogt was smart enough to be vague around the technology that the characters use, so it doesn’t come across as silly every other page. Yes, they still have phone booths and printed newspapers, but those are minor and forgivable quibbles. It wouldn’t be a 1940’s sci-fi story without some mention of atomic power, so there is some, but it’s not predominant at all, thankfully. 

 

The third act errs a little but I liked the ending, swift and satisfying. Definitely worthy of the Retro Hugo.