A review by mikenyby
Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.25

This is some of the best SFF writing I've ever encountered, but with a caveat. I really loved the dreary and dreamlike world Wolfe builds in this, and I'm completely drawn in by this strangely oppressive quasi-medieval society. And there's something really compelling about the unique charisma of Severian, a narcissistic unreliable narrator with a very morally questionable occupation. A rather unconventional choice of protagonist in a tale like this. All in all, it makes for a breath of fresh air in a stagnant pool of post-Tolkien, post-Le Guin SFF writers. Makes me wonder why Wolfe is not more widely known!

BUT the treatment of women is atrocious. Perhaps it's the narrator's misogynistic views coming into play, or maybe it's a reflection of the gender dynamic of it society, but that really isn't made very clear. It's even pretty egregious for its time and took me out of the experience on several occasions. I have a feeling that this is more a trait of Severian, so I'm prepared to give Wolfe the benefit of the doubt until I finish the series.

 Overall, though, it's a really great read. Beautifully written, deeply immersive, and full of mystery. I'm looking forward to reading books 3 and 4.