As it happens, I just finished reading Varley's Slow Apocalypse, and I think you're dead wrong.
I see no intimation that they're creating a better world. There are discussions of compensations, but that's not the same thing; it's a human trait to make the best of what can't be helped.
My problems with the book are a) the totally contrived beginning that gets them into the problem, b) the way the protagonist keeps making the right decision, and then circumstances conspire to make the decision have happened 24 hours too late, and c) the way the whole thing just kind of fizzles out at the end. Though in a way, c) is what the book seems to be about: coping with the immediate situation, because situations are such that long-term planning doesn't work. But it annoys me mightily that we never find out anything about all those people being herded onto the nuclear-powered ships.
I read this! I couldn't remember title or author. I live in the area eulogized so mistily-eyed by Mary.
It never made any sense to me that Mary ran off with Luke, even if he was, as she says, "courting" her. I was very angry at her for skipping out on dear, devoted Rachel.
Moral of the story: Lightning rods are your friend.
Just ordered a copy, for myself, based on your review -- sounds like one I'd like, warts and all.
I haven't forgotten the one book I need to get to you plus the Atomic Scrap Book of Craziness, which I'll photo and set up as PDFs for you. I was suddenly and unexpectedly in the hospital for the last 4 days. No, cats were not involved. For once.
... books I will diplomatically call “Civilization fell! Thank Goodness!” books.
I wonder whether you would place Brin's non-recent The Postman into this category. I suspect not, its relationship to fallen civilization being more nuanced.
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I see no intimation that they're creating a better world. There are discussions of compensations, but that's not the same thing; it's a human trait to make the best of what can't be helped.
My problems with the book are a) the totally contrived beginning that gets them into the problem, b) the way the protagonist keeps making the right decision, and then circumstances conspire to make the decision have happened 24 hours too late, and c) the way the whole thing just kind of fizzles out at the end. Though in a way, c) is what the book seems to be about: coping with the immediate situation, because situations are such that long-term planning doesn't work. But it annoys me mightily that we never find out anything about all those people being herded onto the nuclear-powered ships.
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I read this! I couldn't remember title or author. I live in the area eulogized so mistily-eyed by Mary.
It never made any sense to me that Mary ran off with Luke, even if he was, as she says, "courting" her. I was very angry at her for skipping out on dear, devoted Rachel.
Moral of the story: Lightning rods are your friend.
no subject
I haven't forgotten the one book I need to get to you plus the Atomic Scrap Book of Craziness, which I'll photo and set up as PDFs for you. I was suddenly and unexpectedly in the hospital for the last 4 days. No, cats were not involved. For once.
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I wonder whether you would place Brin's non-recent The Postman into this category. I suspect not, its relationship to fallen civilization being more nuanced.
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