Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Restaurant at the End of the Universe, Singularity Sky, Light
Post your SF reading journal here if you read one of the following books: Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, by Cory Doctorow; Restaurant at the End of the Universe, by Douglas Adams; Singularity Sky, by Charles Stross, or Light, by M. John Harrison.
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6 comments:
Light, by M John Harrison, First Third~
The first third of the book was very interesting. I wondered about the format, which is strange because it seems to follow three unrelated stories.
I predict that they will cross paths, because the different characters encounter some of the same places, such as Motel Splendido, and talk about some of the same things, so I think they are related. I realized that the reader is probably not supposed to understand every detail, because I was confused by terminology such as "shadow boys", "tank life" and "the mathematics", some of which would make sense except that they seem to be used differently in this world than in ours. I thought the idea of the three stories was interesting, and it keeps you reading to see when they will connect. I noticed that the three characters are very different: a disembodied girl, a haunted killer, and a newly fugitive "tank farmer" if I understood them correctly. If I were writing the book, I would try to hint more about possible paths they could take, but then again that could be part of the author's plan. I'm very intrigued by this story, and I can't wait to continue reading it.
Second Third~
During this section of the book, I was able to put together a bit more of
the story. I realized that the first story, the one of Michael Kearney,
takes place in the present, and the one of Seria Mau is several hundred
years in the future. I'm still confused about when the third story, of Ed
Chianese, is happening. I was right about there being a connection, although
it turned out that it wasn't crossed paths, it was that Kearney made
"transformations" that are still used by the world of Seria's time. I am
still confused about Ed though, and I have no idea how he fits in with the
other two. I predict that these stories are quite possibly not even directly
related, which I find to be rather frustrating, because if I had written a
book like this I think it would make much more sense to write it as a
trilogy, not three in one. And despite the fact that things are coming
together, I entirely dislike the book. Although it is brilliantly woven in
some aspects, I clash with it on a personal level. I don't like the entire
lack of morality that seems to be prominent in every character's personality
and actions. I find their choices to be disgusting. They kill and betray and
cheat on each other and live for momentary pleasure. And much of it does not
contribute to the story and it would have been better off without it. This
is an entirely personal judgement that is not reflective of style or plot
weaving ability but merely content that I find displeasing to read. I'd like
to ask the author about the purpose. I wonder how this story will conclude,
because it does not seem to be heading toward any sort of conclusion at this
point.
(Posted for Emily N by Mr. Sale)
Emily --
I enjoyed reading your comments because they are specific and honest. I'm sorry that the morals of the characters are disagreeable to you. I'll be interested to see what you think when you get to the end and see how the stories all sort out.
I also read Light by M. John Harrison.
First third- I am confused as to how these stories fit together. I am sure that they will all tie together in the end. In the first 30 pages or so, Kearney goes to a party, but seems depressed, or sidetracked. I don't think that he is having a good time, and I wonder what he's thinking about.
Charissa --
These are OK comments for the very first part of the book. Look again at you requirements sheet for the novel blog. For each section of the book you need to make at least 10 comments about what you've read. Refer to specific events and characters. For this comment it's hard to tell if you read anything.
Here are my final 2 blogs. Thanks!
Light, Final Third~
The final third of the book was not entirely any better than the first two thirds. However, the ending was quite interesting, and I found myself to be puzzled as well as frustrated. I was right with my initial prediction that the three stories were related. I wondered about the connection even after discovering that they were all tied to the Shrander, and I was confused about the motive of the alien in intervening in the lives of the three people. I didn't like the ending because it seemed very anti-climactic.
There was so much build-up, but the entire thing seemed like it was setting up for a plot that never came, even though you were waiting for it the entire time. If I had written the book I would have had the three stories cross earlier and then have a conclusion with all three of them together. I think that would have been very effective. I felt sorry for Kearney especially, because he had fought so hard against the Shrander, but really the selfish alien only wanted the dice, but allowed him to become a murderer while it merely followed him. It seems to me that a being like that would have been able to comprehend more, and intervene for good instead of for various other motives which I still don't understand, but which seem to me to be without regard for the good of the people or the world. It was a very dissatisfying final third.
Final Response~
The most prominent concept in the book was extrapolation. The author explored quantum physics and futuristic cultures throughout, although it could have been done more effectively with less obscurity, perhaps revealing more as the novel progressed, so that the reader had a chance to better comprehend the gravity of what was happening. There was also a great deal of paradox it seemed to me, because the Shrander had a hand in every life, even though each thought that they held control over their fate. It turned out they were living in a world that was not what they saw at all, and the conclusion revealed to them how different it truly was: a world of light. I don't think that I would recommend the book, because I found myself disappointed in the end, and anticipating something better throughout, which only led me to be more disappointed by the conclusion. While I did like the elaborate nature of the futuristic world in theory, it was explained in a confusing and fragmented way that was difficult to piece together, and to me disrupted the flow of the story. My experience reading this book was quite like tumbling down a hill. The beginning had such anticipation, and it seemed to be going somewhere, but the only place it went was down, and it lost my attention, so that I wanted to get to the end, but when I got there I did not find closure, merely a sudden stop. I may be overly harsh, but this was my sentiment after finishing. I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy it more, but although it had good moments, the ending was what ruined it for me. A unique book, but perhaps not the kind of unique most suited to a reader like me.
(Posted for Emily N by Mr. Sale)
Emily N --
Both your final third and final blog about Light were perceptive and clear. I agree with you that the end of this book is a little anti-climactic, though still a little dazzling. I think that the details of this future world is what recommends this book. Paradox did indeed play a big part in this book. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more, and I hope your next SF experience is better.
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