Gwyneth Jones - Thoughts?

[Fried Egg]

I have heard some good things about this author but I don't know where a good place to start might be? Any fans of hers around?

I notice there's a five part "Bold as Love" cycle out there that has one some awards. Is this series good? Is it finished?

 

[iansales]

She's one of my favourite authors, so naturally I recommend everything she's ever written...

I've reviewed a few of her books on my blog: Kairos (see here), Escape Plans (see here) and her latest, Spirit (see here).

For a good starting point... White Queen might be your best bet. Or Life, although that may be hard to find (I think it's only available from the publisher, Aqueduct Press here).

 

[Fried Egg]

Actually, it was mostly you I've heard praise her so highly.

 

[iansales]

And you already know I have excellent taste

 

[Stephen Palmer]

I think Gwyneth is one of our finest writers. I first discovered her through the controversial (but amazing) Escape Plans, and while this is an amazing book, it's perhaps not the one to begin with...

I would begin with the Bold As Love sequence.

Gwyneth also writes as Ann Halam, and her books under this name are superb, especially the outstanding Siberia.

I'm delighted to say she is introducing my very own Urbis Morpheos.

 

[iansales]

Escape Plans was controversial? Not much in it to spark controversy, I'd have thought.

Your book looks very interesting. I might well purchase a copy...

 

[Fried Egg]

I almost picked up "Bold as Love" when I saw it second hand in the store the other day. But I refrained. Maybe I should go back and get it...

 

[Stephen Palmer]

Escape Plans was controversial? Not much in it to spark controversy, I'd have thought.

I remember Dave Langford's original review in White Dwarf (ah, them were the days) when he poured praise on it, then, later, wondered if it was a tad too dense for easy reading. It certainly is a difficult read with all those acronyms, but a rewarding one.

Bold As Love is a must-read!

 

[iansales]

For those who'd like more info on Jones's oeuvre - see here.

 

[Hypnos164]

I remember Dave Langford's original review in White Dwarf (ah, them were the days)

I remember those Critical Mass columns ... he had a good turn of phrase, such as "a monstrous carbuncle on the buttock of literature".

 

[Stephen Palmer]

Great times, great times. He was a brilliant reviewer in White Dwarf. I've got a bound-copy of his collected reviews somewhere. I'll never forget his demolition of L Ron Hubbard, not to mention Terry Brooks...

Great times indeed!

 

[Fried Egg]

Well, I did go back and, lo and behold, "Bold as Love" was still there so I picked it up this time.

 

[Fried Egg]

Well, I can't say that I was particularly impressed with "Bold as Love". It had some original ideas in it but was too focused on those annoying rock star leads of the counter cultural movement. I doubt I will pursue this series further.

Is it worth trying anything else by this author given my distaste for the above?

 

[Stephen Palmer]

Well, I can't say that I was particularly impressed with "Bold as Love". It had some original ideas in it but was too focused on those annoying rock star leads of the counter cultural movement. I doubt I will pursue this series further.

Is it worth trying anything else by this author given my distaste for the above?

Definitely. Try Escape Plans but only if you don't mind "challenging" - it's worth the effort!