Try Greybeard, its post apocalyptic future sf but very good.I kept hearing how good Helliconia was so I decided to pick it up. At first the strong fantasy nature of the novel was a bit overbearing, but I thought that once it picked up maybe I would find myself engrossed with it. But no. I probably didnt even get to the good parts (only 200-300 pages into it), but quite frankly I couldnt bear to continue reading it because of the complete and utter lack of direction. Im sure there is some value to be had with the book considering the thought the author put into it and it's reputation, but I just found it to be very boring and directionless. Though maybe I should have known I wouldnt like it since im not too crazy about fantasy. And this is coming from somebody who loved Star Maker and enjoyed Last and First Men.
Considering I didnt enjoy Helliconia, are any of his other works or short story compilations worth checking out?
The Helliconia trilogy is actually SF but that fact is not immediately apparent. But anyway, it is quite different from everything else of his I have read so definitely don't give up on him as an author just yet. I would recommend the following novels: "Non-Stop", "Hothouse", or perhaps "The Interpreter". I would also recommend the short story collection "Space, Time And Nathaniel".Considering I didnt enjoy Helliconia, are any of his other works or short story compilations worth checking out?
Although it has to be said that it is somewhat slow paced and it takes a while before its direction becomes apparent. While I do love it, it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea.I'm gobsmacked to read that somebody thinks 'Helliconia' is directionless. That's possibly the last word I'd use to describe it. It has incredible scope, drive, ambition and humanity. A masterpiece almost unequalled in genre literature.
But I think it takes a while to realise that it's not really about the characters as such, or rather the the character is the planet itself and the way it's eco system has adapted to cope with it's long solar cycle.
It's totally about the characters! Frail, obessed, vulnerable, insightful, brave, stupid. They've got the lot. You are right though, the planet itself and its wonderful seasons are another character. But who could forget Aoz Roon and Shay Tal? Harbin Fashnalgid and Luterin Shokerandit? Unforgettable.
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