D. Leah L. (DLeahL) - , reviewed on 6/6/2010 + 48 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

This is the third book in a trilogy (40 Signs of Rain, 50 Degrees Below Zero) set in the near future and centered around humanity's attempts to counter manmade global ecological disaster.

Robinson has a tendency toward a more narrative, introspective style of writing which is very evident in this trilogy, perhaps the most so in this book. This can make reading his fiction somewhat difficult. I would call it an acquired taste. However, like many acquired tastes, the effort put into reading his work is well rewarded.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. His fiction has breathtaking vision.
2. His characters are complex and charismatic.
3. The reader gains a rudimentary understanding of most scientific specializations, philosphies, histories and is introduced to a broad spectrum of artists, both familiar and less-known.
4. He is aware of many lesser-known ways of life in our present-day society as his characters weave in and out of them.
5. He is able to portray deep, loving units of people (families of various kinds, most of them non-biological) and the unique individual relationships within these units. This particular trilogy illustrates one of the most beautiful (yet very human) relationships between father and son I have ever read.
6. The books challenge the reader to break out of his/her own self-imposed limitations and experience life more fully.

This particular trilogy does seem to have at least 2 main characters. The one in which I believe the plot is centered around is a bit of a twist on a renaissance man - he works to hone not only body and mind, but also his soul. Yet he is a hero with flaws, and these flaws only serve to make his character more compelling.

If you have read the other three books in this trilogy, this review is old news to you except to reassure you that you will find no unpleasant surprises in re the fiction in this final part of the series.

If you have not read the other two books, I'd suggest you begin with Forty Signs of Rain. If you find the writing difficult to get used to, take is slow. You can skim through very dense parts of the text until you get very interested in the plot and then return to the beginning, where you will learn to savor the subtlety of Robinson's fiction.

It is well worth the effort.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details