2006-03-15
The Harmony Silk Factory
Author: Tash Aw
This is the kind of book I'd never pick up on my own. Fortunately I have friends to make recommendations for me. I admit it was a good book, but I still wouldn't get into it on my own.
"Johnny" Yim, Communist leader in Malay's Kinta Valley region, was born just in time to be an influential young man by the time Japan's invasion came in World War II. A self-made businessman by day, he secretly leads the guerilla resistance against British authority through his extensive contacts throughout the Valley. Everyone knows Johnny. Everyone likes and trusts Johnny. Except, the people that begin to actually know Johnny don't really trust him and aren't so sure they like him either.
We learn about Johnny and in particular the events of his life in 1941-2 through three sources: his son Jasper, who is attempting to write a factual, researched biography of his hated father, his wife Snow, who kept a diary before and during a trip they took with three other men, and his friend Peter, who is writing some memoirs after Johnny's funeral while waiting patiently in a nursing home to die himself. We're not privileged to know Johnny directly. Each of the three parts of the book is written in the first person and full of that writer's own problems.
As a credit to the author, I was tempted to cycle back to the beginning and re-read Jasper's tale of the events of Johnny's life after finishing the other two parts. I resisted, being in bed, but probably would have done it if I were on the train and had a few minutes to kill. I satisfied myself with a mental review instead. Aw created some great characters and pieced together an interesting study of how we really only exist in the minds of others.
He did not, however, produce a plot in which to frame his work. Part of Snow's diary contained a plot as the party of five journeyed to and frolicked on the island, but her story is cut off when it, plot-wise, starts to go somewhere. This accounts for a quarter of the length. Otherwise there's no particular action driving the story. Some people like to read novels heavy on characterization. I generally can't do it. I highly appreciate well developed characters in my action, but will chew on literary bubble gum featuring off-the-shelf wire frame actors running through an original plot more readily than I will drink a rich wine made from interesting people living in uninteresting times. I'm happy I read The Harmony Silk Factory, but it's an example of why I feel unsophisticated around some readers. I can recommend it, but I need to go read something totally different now.
This is the kind of book I'd never pick up on my own. Fortunately I have friends to make recommendations for me. I admit it was a good book, but I still wouldn't get into it on my own.
"Johnny" Yim, Communist leader in Malay's Kinta Valley region, was born just in time to be an influential young man by the time Japan's invasion came in World War II. A self-made businessman by day, he secretly leads the guerilla resistance against British authority through his extensive contacts throughout the Valley. Everyone knows Johnny. Everyone likes and trusts Johnny. Except, the people that begin to actually know Johnny don't really trust him and aren't so sure they like him either.
We learn about Johnny and in particular the events of his life in 1941-2 through three sources: his son Jasper, who is attempting to write a factual, researched biography of his hated father, his wife Snow, who kept a diary before and during a trip they took with three other men, and his friend Peter, who is writing some memoirs after Johnny's funeral while waiting patiently in a nursing home to die himself. We're not privileged to know Johnny directly. Each of the three parts of the book is written in the first person and full of that writer's own problems.
As a credit to the author, I was tempted to cycle back to the beginning and re-read Jasper's tale of the events of Johnny's life after finishing the other two parts. I resisted, being in bed, but probably would have done it if I were on the train and had a few minutes to kill. I satisfied myself with a mental review instead. Aw created some great characters and pieced together an interesting study of how we really only exist in the minds of others.
He did not, however, produce a plot in which to frame his work. Part of Snow's diary contained a plot as the party of five journeyed to and frolicked on the island, but her story is cut off when it, plot-wise, starts to go somewhere. This accounts for a quarter of the length. Otherwise there's no particular action driving the story. Some people like to read novels heavy on characterization. I generally can't do it. I highly appreciate well developed characters in my action, but will chew on literary bubble gum featuring off-the-shelf wire frame actors running through an original plot more readily than I will drink a rich wine made from interesting people living in uninteresting times. I'm happy I read The Harmony Silk Factory, but it's an example of why I feel unsophisticated around some readers. I can recommend it, but I need to go read something totally different now.
2006-03-08
Destiny's Road
Author: Larry Niven
Sci-fi convention catchphrases for $400 -- the answer is: "it's the law!"
Well, that's one Jeopardy answer you'll be able to respond to correctly after reading Niven's 1996 solo novel Destiny's Road. Other answers you'll never forget will include, "it's where the Cavorite went", "the essential nutrient found in speckles", and "a sneaky way to rule a planet".
This is the third straight great novel I've read. I'm going to get spoiled at this rate. Niven does a lot of collaboration, but it's the books without other names on the cover that make me name him my favorite overall author. I just revisited my concept of favorite overall novel, and I haven't read a solo Niven in years, so I thought I'd check on that assumption as well. Destiny's Road only solidifies my opinion.
This is the story of a young boy who wondered, where does that road lead? Then it becomes also the story of a young man who wondered, who's in charge here, anyway? In the third act it jumps into the story of a middle-aged man who thought, can I change the world? The pace never overheats and hardly ever drags. Niven is not accustomed to showing you where he's ultimately going immediately, but as he steadily reveals facts about the world he created you always know where the story is going at the moment. It's not about unpredictable plot twists that leave you wondering what will happen next -- there's always enough information to see what's about to happen. It's not a thrill ride, but it's a truly solid story.
The Jemmy character is well described. I could wish for some more substantial supporting characters, but I guess Niven did the best he could given that Jemmy's journey doesn't leave anyone else in the picture for the entire book.
The only negative thing to say is that the story isn't "exciting". I never got that feeling of being unable to put the book down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The peril factor isn't there. On the other hand I certainly never dreaded having to work through the next chapter, and the only time I questioned why we were spending so much time in one spot was about five pages before Jemmy agreed with me and got moving again. Niven is a little more cereberal read than what I've been up to lately, and I find that I miss it. Sci-fi isn't entirely about space-age technology, aliens, and computers. Grab Destiny's Road if you want a classic-style story from a master.
Sci-fi convention catchphrases for $400 -- the answer is: "it's the law!"
Well, that's one Jeopardy answer you'll be able to respond to correctly after reading Niven's 1996 solo novel Destiny's Road. Other answers you'll never forget will include, "it's where the Cavorite went", "the essential nutrient found in speckles", and "a sneaky way to rule a planet".
This is the third straight great novel I've read. I'm going to get spoiled at this rate. Niven does a lot of collaboration, but it's the books without other names on the cover that make me name him my favorite overall author. I just revisited my concept of favorite overall novel, and I haven't read a solo Niven in years, so I thought I'd check on that assumption as well. Destiny's Road only solidifies my opinion.
This is the story of a young boy who wondered, where does that road lead? Then it becomes also the story of a young man who wondered, who's in charge here, anyway? In the third act it jumps into the story of a middle-aged man who thought, can I change the world? The pace never overheats and hardly ever drags. Niven is not accustomed to showing you where he's ultimately going immediately, but as he steadily reveals facts about the world he created you always know where the story is going at the moment. It's not about unpredictable plot twists that leave you wondering what will happen next -- there's always enough information to see what's about to happen. It's not a thrill ride, but it's a truly solid story.
The Jemmy character is well described. I could wish for some more substantial supporting characters, but I guess Niven did the best he could given that Jemmy's journey doesn't leave anyone else in the picture for the entire book.
The only negative thing to say is that the story isn't "exciting". I never got that feeling of being unable to put the book down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The peril factor isn't there. On the other hand I certainly never dreaded having to work through the next chapter, and the only time I questioned why we were spending so much time in one spot was about five pages before Jemmy agreed with me and got moving again. Niven is a little more cereberal read than what I've been up to lately, and I find that I miss it. Sci-fi isn't entirely about space-age technology, aliens, and computers. Grab Destiny's Road if you want a classic-style story from a master.
2006-03-03
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Author: Robert Heinlein
I got this book last year, I think on my birthday. In my wish list I had it designated "my favorite novel, ever" after reading it once in the library at college. Why is it my favorite? Is the writing really the best ever? It it because I agree with the politics? Or was it an inaccurate memory?
Synopsis: one of the leaders of the Lunar Revolution looks back on his memories of how events actually took place in 2075-6. After all, the history books didn't get it right. There wasn't that much of a great plan, all 3,000,000 Loonies didn't get caught up in a wave of patriotism and fight as one, and Adam Selene never really existed. But Mycroft Holmes (Mike) did, when the Central Authority's main computer got so much hardware added to it that it spontaneously became self-aware, and that was the only way they had a chance.
How do I love this book? Let me count the ways.
1. Mike. What sentient computer isn't cool? Mike controls all the phones in Luna City, so he basically hears everything and you can talk to him any time. He controls the catapults, so you can ask him to stop sending grain to Earth and switch to bombing them. He controls the environmentals, so you can have him kill people. And he's more concerned with refining his sense of humor than with your little war, which he basically does because it's an excuse to talk to not-stupids.
2. The organization of the revolution. A handy reference in case you ever need to do it yourself. Of course you'll have to stick with Prof's original plan if you don't have an omni-present, top-secret supercomputer on your side.
3. Life in L-City. Basically, the book is a libertarian manifesto. Yes, people can live without government or laws -- here's how. Courts can be privatized. Medical insurance is basically sophisticated gambling anyway; what's the difference between an actuary and a bookie? Etc.
4. No sex. Barely mentioned explicitly. This is Heinlein at his peak, the last of his four Hugo winning novels. In 1964 his libertarian politics are in full force but he hasn't started the slide into the demented wannabe sexual revolutionary he would become in his later years.
Alongside all that praise, I can't really think of any faults. Reading it for the second time I was ready to be critical, but there's nothing wrong with the book. It wasn't as exciting as the first time, because despite the passing of 13 years I remembered every event, but that's my memory not letting me have a good time. In conclusion, Wizard's First Rule may be the best fantasy I've ever seen, and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress remains the greatest science-fiction novel I have ever read. Don't make me choose between the two sub-genres right now.
I got this book last year, I think on my birthday. In my wish list I had it designated "my favorite novel, ever" after reading it once in the library at college. Why is it my favorite? Is the writing really the best ever? It it because I agree with the politics? Or was it an inaccurate memory?
Synopsis: one of the leaders of the Lunar Revolution looks back on his memories of how events actually took place in 2075-6. After all, the history books didn't get it right. There wasn't that much of a great plan, all 3,000,000 Loonies didn't get caught up in a wave of patriotism and fight as one, and Adam Selene never really existed. But Mycroft Holmes (Mike) did, when the Central Authority's main computer got so much hardware added to it that it spontaneously became self-aware, and that was the only way they had a chance.
How do I love this book? Let me count the ways.
1. Mike. What sentient computer isn't cool? Mike controls all the phones in Luna City, so he basically hears everything and you can talk to him any time. He controls the catapults, so you can ask him to stop sending grain to Earth and switch to bombing them. He controls the environmentals, so you can have him kill people. And he's more concerned with refining his sense of humor than with your little war, which he basically does because it's an excuse to talk to not-stupids.
2. The organization of the revolution. A handy reference in case you ever need to do it yourself. Of course you'll have to stick with Prof's original plan if you don't have an omni-present, top-secret supercomputer on your side.
3. Life in L-City. Basically, the book is a libertarian manifesto. Yes, people can live without government or laws -- here's how. Courts can be privatized. Medical insurance is basically sophisticated gambling anyway; what's the difference between an actuary and a bookie? Etc.
4. No sex. Barely mentioned explicitly. This is Heinlein at his peak, the last of his four Hugo winning novels. In 1964 his libertarian politics are in full force but he hasn't started the slide into the demented wannabe sexual revolutionary he would become in his later years.
Alongside all that praise, I can't really think of any faults. Reading it for the second time I was ready to be critical, but there's nothing wrong with the book. It wasn't as exciting as the first time, because despite the passing of 13 years I remembered every event, but that's my memory not letting me have a good time. In conclusion, Wizard's First Rule may be the best fantasy I've ever seen, and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress remains the greatest science-fiction novel I have ever read. Don't make me choose between the two sub-genres right now.
2006-03-01
Stone of Tears
Author: Terry Goodkind
(Note: I finished this book late on 2/21. Work has been busy.)
Stunning. Breathtaking. Enthralling. I'm sure I could come up with more words for Stone of Tears, but they'd be similar. And I guess I could add "long", but in an entirely good way. In fact, when finishing page 979 the ending seems a little rushed, as if this story won't be completed until at least Sword of Truth-3.
Stone of Tears begins just a few hours after Wizard's First Rule ends, and once again, by page 4 some of the main characters are in mortal danger. I read the first book in the series before I started this blog, which is unfortunate, because I'd love to describe it. That book was completely flawless. Compared to its predecessor, SoT-2 is flawed, but I'm not ruling out that it might be the second best novel I've ever read.
Comparatively, the pace is a bit slower. SoT-1 established the winter solstice deadline early on which kept the action moving. SoT-2 deals with a supposedly more important, but less urgent, threat to the entire world. It doesn't work as well. When the threat was Darken Rahl, Goodkind could show us just what kind of a monster he was and make us fear the idea of him gaining absolute power over creation. The threat of the Keeper is more abstract, and I felt like I had to take everyone's word that it was a big deal.
And I mentioned the rushed and incomplete ending. Then an angel swoops in to save the main characters. No, literally, the book ends with a spirit coming out of nowhere to make certain surviving characters feel better (and avoid suicide) even though they haven't really resolved their biggest problems! Goodkind can hit the ground running with SoT-3 after leaving everything the way he did here. If that's the way it's intended to be, that's fine.
Don't let my critique turn you off. I don't know how to describe how good most of the story is. When I finished this behemoth I thought to myself, "if this flawed novel still rates as 'stunning', is SoT-1 my new favorite novel?" I was leaving for a trip the next morning anyway, so I thought I'd bring along a slimmer paperback that time. I decided to revisit my current favorite novel ...
Coming up next: Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
(Note: I finished this book late on 2/21. Work has been busy.)
Stunning. Breathtaking. Enthralling. I'm sure I could come up with more words for Stone of Tears, but they'd be similar. And I guess I could add "long", but in an entirely good way. In fact, when finishing page 979 the ending seems a little rushed, as if this story won't be completed until at least Sword of Truth-3.
Stone of Tears begins just a few hours after Wizard's First Rule ends, and once again, by page 4 some of the main characters are in mortal danger. I read the first book in the series before I started this blog, which is unfortunate, because I'd love to describe it. That book was completely flawless. Compared to its predecessor, SoT-2 is flawed, but I'm not ruling out that it might be the second best novel I've ever read.
Comparatively, the pace is a bit slower. SoT-1 established the winter solstice deadline early on which kept the action moving. SoT-2 deals with a supposedly more important, but less urgent, threat to the entire world. It doesn't work as well. When the threat was Darken Rahl, Goodkind could show us just what kind of a monster he was and make us fear the idea of him gaining absolute power over creation. The threat of the Keeper is more abstract, and I felt like I had to take everyone's word that it was a big deal.
And I mentioned the rushed and incomplete ending. Then an angel swoops in to save the main characters. No, literally, the book ends with a spirit coming out of nowhere to make certain surviving characters feel better (and avoid suicide) even though they haven't really resolved their biggest problems! Goodkind can hit the ground running with SoT-3 after leaving everything the way he did here. If that's the way it's intended to be, that's fine.
Don't let my critique turn you off. I don't know how to describe how good most of the story is. When I finished this behemoth I thought to myself, "if this flawed novel still rates as 'stunning', is SoT-1 my new favorite novel?" I was leaving for a trip the next morning anyway, so I thought I'd bring along a slimmer paperback that time. I decided to revisit my current favorite novel ...
Coming up next: Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
