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Novellas, NovelettesHomeHugosNebulas P.K.
Dick Locus
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Top
20Internet
Top 100 Short
Stories
Novellas, NovelettesHomeHugosNebulas P.K.
Dick Locus
Grand
MastersNewberyWorld
Fantasy
The Shadow of the TorturerStrange and fascinating, almost mythic tale of adventure, intrigue
and overwhelmingly original character and setting. Great juxtaposition of the
random, everyday-life feeling of events unfolding within a bizarre environment
inhabited by a myriad of unexpected occurrence. Severian's philosophical contemplations
on the minutiae of his experience add depth and believability to his world.
Rich and engaging use of language. Portrays an admirable tenacity of purpose and meaningfulness surrounded by an existential world almost totally devoid of morality, enthusiasm or value. The already highly innovative situation frequently implodes with beings unexpectedly out of the future or from another planet. Many mysteries remain unresolved in the first books setting the stage for the next.
Because the brilliance in these books is based more on startling situations and personalities than plot, reading them out of order makes less difference. Though the first book, The Shadow of the Torturer, sets the stage and gives the main character's history; Claw of the Conciliator stands well on its own. You wouldn't have to start with the first book to understand and enjoy the second; but since, after reading the second, most would feel inspired to go back and read the first book anyway you might as well start at the beginning.
In rare instances
a little too graphically macabre and disturbing for my own taste. Not enough
of a concern though to unbalance the overwhelmingly positive aspects - but watch
out for a few passages if you have a weak stomach. I don't know of any other
stories where the protagonist is an executioner, much less a torturer. It immediately
sets an eerie, unusual tone and a base for interesting discussions on crime
and punishment. He makes a strong case in favor of the death penalty which I
don't agree with but have a hard time countering his arguments (If criminals
are forced to work for the state, they take jobs away from the poor who may
be forced into crime themselves; if criminals are confined in comfort, they
live longer often better lives than the poor; if banished, they become soldiers
and spies for enemies). Disturbingly though, a little too reminiscent of Nietzsche's
"superman" and the political philosophies of Mao, Hitler, and Ayn
Rand.
A series that not only entertains but continually challenges our assumptions and beliefs, dares us to look more deeply into our experience. For example: "A dog is born a dog and a bird is born a bird, but to become a human being is an achievement - you have to think about it."; "...so we have each of us in the dustiest cellars of our minds a counter at which we strive to repay the debts of the past with the debased currency of the present."; "I had learned in the intervening time the folly of limiting desire to the possible."; "... small things mocked can never grow large."
And on a more external, political level, statements like "Just
as summer-killed meat draws flies, so the court draws spurious sages, philosophists,
and acosmists who remain there as long as their purses and their wits will maintain
them".
As well as consistency of environment, personality, and scope; a musing, thoughtful, philosophical consistency weaves through the story line. "Time itself is a thing...that stands solidly like a fence of iron palings with its endless row of years; and we flow past like Gyoll, on our way to a sea from which we shall return only as rain."
Without typical hyperbole, one of the jackets aptly describes my main impression: "Evocative, profound, hypnotic. . . a novel of dreamlike beauties and awesome terrors".
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HomeHugosNebulas P.K.
DickLocus
Grand
MastersNewberyTop
20 Internet
Top 100Short
StoriesNovellas,
NovelettesWorld
Fantasy