Izaak
Contains spoilers
The philosophies of the different branches of humanity and the polises was really interesting to read through and think about!
But damn, what a sad ending.
A fascinating blend of weird-fiction and sci-fi. It feels unbound to pacing in the same way as many of the sci-fi novels of yore (1970's--> ), which is not a bad thing!
In general, this is a fun space opera, full of political intrigue, taking place in an interesting setting full of interesting possibilities. This novel encompasses multiple PoVs, though I don't think the author has fully capitalized on how alien the varying groups would be in their reference to one another (however, I also think that wasn't the goal at hand).
Contains spoilers
Wraps up the core story really nicely, and has solid lead female characters for '90s sci-fi (with only one weird 70-year age-gap that's totally acceptable 😉)
ETA: There's far less breasting boobily than was commonplace at the time, and I applaud the novel for having female characters with agency as much as it does, but be aware that this is definitely character-driven sci-fi from the '80s/'90s and is best viewed through the lens of its time.
This is, in and of itself, not bad sci-fi, but I'm hesitant to call it "hard" sci-fi. It's even well-written and explored an interesting, rising aspect of modern society.
If you're a fan of Dan Brown or Clive Cussler, you'll enjoy this book. It has that exact tone and pacing. I, however, deeply do not enjoy that style of book.
This exists as one of those seminal works of fiction which I don't think you can give a rating to -- the concept and how it's explored (1st person diary entries) puts it in the same weird category as something like 12 Monkeys. Maybe it's a fantastic film, but we simply accept it at face value for the storytelling it provides.
Márquez is, without a doubt, one of the better writers to have graced the English language. His descriptions are as vivid as paintings, and his character development is nothing short of fantastic.
Where he really, truly excels is poetry within his prose. Márquez manages to say so incredibly much within so little space. His development and encapsulation of side-characters, of places, and of events is as much artwork as it is poetry.
However, his development of protagonist characters is languid and, at times, over-wrought. It's really difficult to believe that anyone could be so absolutely full-of-themselves as the several main figures of this story are. However, this novel is as much a depiction of the lives of nobles as it is a decrying of how the lower classes lived, so it's likely very much intended. Regardless of intended effect, it still makes the novel drag on more than it would otherwise.
Ringing in from an era wherein sci-fi was still finding and discovering itself, Bester's view of a far-off future of telepaths and latent abilities carries his hallmark style of writing. Even if it's not the longest novel, it is enjoyable and fun as it jostles the reader through the ruins of century XX New York and Mars. For the weird teen-aged era of sci-fi, Bester is remarkably prescient. His grasp of the human condition and the way in which we conduct ourselves in regards to others, while pseudo-sciencey at times, holds true and is fascinating to watch unfold.
In addition, Bester's usage of technology is apt and accurate, even 60+ years later. The telepathic communications between characters could be pulled straight out of modern times.
This work, as much poetry as it is prose, chronicles the downward spiral of sophomoric teenage college student Esther Greenwood. Plath's voice creates Esther as sardonic and misfit, acting as both victim and brutal enforcer to the social and gender roles of her time.
While Esther's petty snap judgments and internal dressing-down of all those who surround her never truly ceases, her growth beyond obedience to absurd self-held maxims chronicles the most important of journeys that one makes in the transition from young adult to adult.
What begins as superbly written tongue-in-cheek joke about the nature of bullshit rapidly transforms into a philosophical inquiry into lying, deception, and human nature.