nicanical
I enjoyed this book. Structurally, it is very similar to the previous two novels (Look to Windward and Matter), but avoids some deficits I found with those two. Surface Detail is better-paced throughout, the conclusion didn't feel rushed, and the locations and races and characters all served a purpose, compared to, say, Matter. (The Quietus agent had a weak story thread here though).
One thing: the virtual hells and the War in Heaven never gave me the sense of contention that I think they're meant to have in-universe. We get the Pavulean perspective, which is changing towards anti-hell. We know that generally, advanced civilizations (like the Culture) are anti-hell because virtual hells are barbaric. But, there are some advanced civilizations that still use virtual hells (like the Nauptre, who are advanced enough to be on the cusp of subliming), but we never really learn why. And this is what's lacking I think—a detailed pro-hell perspective to flesh out both sides of the War. Fortunately, this didn't really affect enjoyment of the book because the War ultimately remains a background concern for the civilizations to jockey over, and is not central to Lededje's story.
I enjoyed this book. Structurally, it is very similar to the previous two novels (Look to Windward and Matter), but avoids some deficits I found with those two. Surface Detail is better-paced throughout, the conclusion didn't feel rushed, and the locations and races and characters all served a purpose, compared to, say, Matter. (The Quietus agent had a weak story thread here though).
One thing: the virtual hells and the War in Heaven never gave me the sense of contention that I think they're meant to have in-universe. We get the Pavulean perspective, which is changing towards anti-hell. We know that generally, advanced civilizations (like the Culture) are anti-hell because virtual hells are barbaric. But, there are some advanced civilizations that still use virtual hells (like the Nauptre, who are advanced enough to be on the cusp of subliming), but we never really learn why. And this is what's lacking I think—a detailed pro-hell perspective to flesh out both sides of the War. Fortunately, this didn't really affect enjoyment of the book because the War ultimately remains a background concern for the civilizations to jockey over, and is not central to Lededje's story.
This was a good read, but it's hard to rate.
I liked the detail of the world: Orwell's portrayal of methods of control (widespread surveillance, growth and scarcity, language, and psychology) give Oceania a grounded believability. The main character, Winston, was sympathetic enough. It was no hard work to follow along with him.
On the other hand, the writing is a bit verbose. Particularly the first half. The wordiness seemed to create a sense of paranoia that complemented Winston's moments of introspection, so maybe this was intentional by Orwell. Nevertheless, I prefer stories that don't make you feel like you're wading through words.
Lastly, I respect that Orwell didn't go with a stereotypical happily-ever-after here, but I did not enjoy how the story wrapped up. The ending goes beyond sad, beyond tragic, and instead seems designed to antagonize the reader with despair. Being able to provoke such a strong reaction makes 1984 worthy of full stars by another rubric though, I'm sure.
In short: I can see why 1984 is a classic. I'm happy I read it. But, I probably won't read it again.
This was a good read, but it's hard to rate.
I liked the detail of the world: Orwell's portrayal of methods of control (widespread surveillance, growth and scarcity, language, and psychology) give Oceania a grounded believability. The main character, Winston, was sympathetic enough. It was no hard work to follow along with him.
On the other hand, the writing is a bit verbose. Particularly the first half. The wordiness seemed to create a sense of paranoia that complemented Winston's moments of introspection, so maybe this was intentional by Orwell. Nevertheless, I prefer stories that don't make you feel like you're wading through words.
Lastly, I respect that Orwell didn't go with a stereotypical happily-ever-after here, but I did not enjoy how the story wrapped up. The ending goes beyond sad, beyond tragic, and instead seems designed to antagonize the reader with despair. Being able to provoke such a strong reaction makes 1984 worthy of full stars by another rubric though, I'm sure.
In short: I can see why 1984 is a classic. I'm happy I read it. But, I probably won't read it again.
