The Book of The New Sun

[dwndrgn]

Here is a blurb about this series that I found here: http://mysite.verizon.net/~vze2tmhh/wolfe.html

The series is set far into the future. Earth's (or Urth's) sun is dying out. The story is narrated by the main character, Severian, a journeyman in the Order of the Seekers of Truth and Penitence (a torturer). The books chronicle his beginning life as part of his guild, through his exile and wanderings and meetings with the strange cultures and inhabitants of the Earth of the very distant future.

Religious and Biblical allusions abound; Severian is portrayed at times in Christ-like dimensions, but is clearly in need of redemption himself. His moral struggles are played out in his straightforward narration, but they lie under the surface of his adventures.
Mysteries abound, and many secrets are revealed to the careful reader. There are stories within stories, and even a play within the story. The Book itself is written by Severian, and a contrivance of the "translator" is to include appendices explaining the "translator's" work.

This sounds very interesting to me but I've never read anything of his. Can anyone tell me what his writing style is like and if it is a good series to begin with in reading his stuff?

 

[ezellohar]

Well, after reading your post I had to register. Gene Wolfe is actually one of my favorite authors, and The Book of the New Sun is an excellent starting point. The writing style is very dense, don't be surprised to find yourself reading things twice or even turning back pages later to check something. There is quite alot packed in these pages. In spite of this, it is never boring. In fact, I didn't want to put it down until it was done. I highly recomend it, though that is only my two cents...

 

[dwndrgn]

Thank you very much for the info. I'd heard his writing style was like that. I didn't know where to start either so thanks for the recommendation. I'll have to see if my local library has a copy of it.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Hi ezellohar, and welcome to the chronicles-network!

We're hoping to develop a specific board for Gene Wolfe's work, so hopefully you'll find yourself in good company.

 

[littlemissattitude]

Welcome ezellohar, and thanks for the recommend. I've never read any of Gene Wolfe's work, either, but this sounds like something I'd really like. That's one of the many things about this place that I really like - my "to read" list just keeps getting longer and longer.

 

[Severian]

I'm a massive fan of this book (hence the name) and totally agree with ezellohar. The Book of the New Sun is a fantastic read, and while it does tend to overload you with information in the occasional chapter it's still one of the most deep and involving books i've ever read. I honestly couldn't recomend it more.

 

[Jayaprakash Satyamurthy]

Hello, Severian!!!


I've just started reading The Shadow of the Torturer, and so far I like it a lot. The prose is rich and slightly reminiscent of Jack Vance, but there's a darker edge to the narrative.

 

[Jay]

Gene Wolfe is simplyu one of the greatest writers of specualtive fiction period, and IMHO The Book of the New Sun is a masterpiece. I recently read his new efforts the Wizard/Kngiht Duology and and although very strong works, still blessed with Wolfe's amazing prose, The Book of the New Sun is jsut monumental.

 

[Brian G Turner]

I got a few chapters in at Christmas, then got bogged down with work. Just don;t feel drawn to rejoin it, though I'll push myself to read them. I find the style clumsy and unnecessarily heavy, and it's really makes the narrative voice plod thus far.

 

[GOLLUM]

Gene Wolfe is simplyu one of the greatest writers of specualtive fiction period, and IMHO The Book of the New Sun is a masterpiece. I recently read his new efforts the Wizard/Kngiht Duology and and although very strong works, still blessed with Wolfe's amazing prose, The Book of the New Sun is jsut monumental.

Just completed New Sun very very good! You're absolutely spot on, Gene Wolfe is considered one of the best writers in literature full stop.

The Book Of The New Sun is listed as a fantasy masterwork.

All the best for now. I'm going to catch some ZZZZss

 

[Inkreator]

I'm a massive fan of this book (hence the name) and totally agree with ezellohar. The Book of the New Sun is a fantastic read, and while it does tend to overload you with information in the occasional chapter it's still one of the most deep and involving books i've ever read. I honestly couldn't recomend it more.

I've noticed it when I tried to take that user name....

Gene Wolf is a great writer,but not known to much....he writes epic tales[that's just me]and his work cannot compare to anything else.

 

[Megatherion]

His style has been compared to Charles Dickens, Jack Vance, James Joyce, with some Lovecraft.

Book of the New Sun will blow you mind.

after finishing the series I read Solar Labyrinth by Robert Borski, and than re-read it all, an enjoyed it on a deeper level.

go get it.

 

[Clouddragon]

I read the Book of the New Sun some years ago, but for some reason the volumes are no longer in my possession. I enjoyed it immensely.

Clouddragon

 

[Brian G Turner]

Hm...I starting reading this over a year ago, but lost interest after a few chapters.

Am I fine to pick up where I left off, or will I miss some cryptic piece of the puzzle essential to the story and have to start again?

Last major events I remember - character was in a library, high class woman in prison, character and friend about to go for a night on the town (to a brothel?).

 

[Brys]

I actually thought the beginning bit was really interesting, but it isn't essential. It might be best to start from the beginning again, more to get yourself used to Wolfe's writing style and the background of Severian. You won't miss out on a huge amount - it's not like you'd be starting in the middle of ASOIAF or MBotF, but I think you would probably benefit from starting at the start.

 

[Jason_Taverner]

well I've just read volume one shadow and claw and wow, I was and still am completly blown away I was just drawn into the story so much and guessing at the world that was described was amazing I can't wait till I get paid so i can buy volume 2. The little touches I was blown away by, like the story from his book his carries with him and the play this is one brilliant book really quite hard to compare to anything else I have read but fantastic. I don't want to talk about the story too much coz I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it just let yourself be drawn into his world its a great adventure and a different reading experience. The style of writting and use of english is of so different to anything I have never come across at first it doesn't seem to flow then it all falls into place

 

[Jason_Taverner]

and I can't beleive I never even considered reading him before I've missed so much

 

[GOLLUM]

and I can't beleive I never even considered reading him before I've missed so much

Well Gene is a master of the language and I'm glad to see you're enjoying his books. Plenty more of his work is avaialable, I'm a bit of a fan myself having read most of it. Book Of The New Sun is in my personal top 5 fanatsy series of all time.....

 

[Frozeninja]

Read The Book of The New Sun last week, was definitely something I would recommend. Although some of the more philosophical aspects of it required me to read chapters two or three times before I gained a proper understanding of what was going on, and I definitely think I may need a re-read. Overall though it was an awesome book.

 

[Lacedaemonian]

Well I just won a copy of The Book of the New Sun on this site so am glad to hear such praise for Gene Wolf. It turns out I was luckier than I first thought.