Helpful Score: 1
Joan Vinge is one of my favorite fantasy/science fiction writers. After I finished this book, I realized that I had read it 20 years ago. However, with the experience of life I think understood the author's messages better. This is the story of a basically good man who carries guilt like a shield. He adored his father but could not relate to nor get along with his brothers who were lazy, weak and selfish. As the youngest son he had no rights to the family estates so he left home, to the sorrow of his father, and pursued his own life. His adventures brought his own sorrow, regret and more guilt. When he encounters his brothers again he finds that they have not changed at all. So it is with us all. Even siblings remain people that we cannot tolerate. The hero examines himself in depth and, at last, comes to an acceptance of his life and who he is. The real story is how he got there and the experiences that led him to this point. A most thoughtful and intriguing read!
