Review of Galapagos Regained by James Morrow

Megan at From Couch to Moon recently reviewed Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth’s The Space Merchants.  In the discussion that followed it was noted that satire may be a lost form of speculative fiction.  The most recent title I could think of was John Sladek’s wonderful Tik-Tok, but that was published in 1983.  (I’m aware Pratchett is writing satire, Making Money is brilliant in this regard, but it’s satire amongst a wide variety of humor—slapstick, situational, wordplay, etc.)  I’m happy to say I’ve discovered who is still writing not only satire, but exquisitely pointed satire. 

Possibly the last of his breed, James Morrow is going about the the mode with all the spirit of those before him—Tenn, Sheckley, Malzberg, Pohl, and Sladek among them—but with an attention to detail perhaps not yet seen.  Galapagos Regained (2015, St. Martin’s Press), Morrow’s most recent title, is not only a wonderful addition to literature, but likewise in the early running for best books of 2015 given the focus, execution, and ultimately, the quality.  Possessing Gaiman’s charm, Vonnegut’s wit, and a sense of esoteric erudition of Morrow’s own, it comes highly recommended.

Review of "Planet of Adventure" by Jack Vance

Of the people who pick up a book by Jack Vance, there are only two possible outcomes: those who melt over every word he writes with twinkles in their eyes, and those who bear furled brows for a time before giving up.  I don’t know what to say about the latter – different strokes for different folks – but for me, Vance is sci-fi sundae with chocolate swirls.  Pure genius.  The number of layers his stories operate on, from humor to social commentary, pure imagination to pure adventure, are enough to keep me coming back for more and more.  Planet of Adventure, or as Vance preferred the series be called The Tchai, is no exception.

The book, which is actually a compendium of four short novels, City of the Chasch, Servants of the Wankh, The Dirdir, and The Pnume, has everything that makes a story Vancean, Vancean.   Where each novel ends makes no real difference as the overall story of the marooned spaceman Adam Reith and his plight to find transportation back to Earth reads smoothly from cover to cover.  (In other words, none of the four books stand alone.)  As the title indicates, the adventures Reaith has and colorful situations he finds himself in along the way are numerous.  Told as only Vance can, surprises lurk around every corner of the plot, colorful descriptions light up the settings, witty dialogue follows with the introduction of every new character, and always there is that archaic/satirical/erudite/how-else-do-you-want-to-call-it/wild and crazy sense of humor that can only be Jack Vance.  Not Shakespearean, he is nonetheless a master of the English language, and Planet of Adventure finds him in peak form.  Certainly some will disagree, but for me, this book is second only to the Tales of the Dying Earth compendium.    But when you’re comparing Bavarian Black Forest cake and apple pie with ice cream, everyone is a winner.

That being said, I know Vance does not write perfect literature.  But honestly, I have nothing negative to say about the book.  It is space adventure as it should be written, so know what you’re getting into.  If you’re a Vance fan but have not read this, what are you waiting for?!?!  If you’ve heard good things about Vance and you want to give him a try, there is no better place to start than this, though the Cadwal Chronicles, The Demon Princes, Alastor, Lyonesse trilogy, Tales of the Dying Earth, Big Planet, Emphyrio, so on and so on, are also good places.  If you tried to read Vance, but just didn’t get it, then you should probably give up on this before you even start because nothing could be more vintage Vance than Planet of Adventure.