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A review by girlfriday4
Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
4.0
My voyage to the stars is over, sob. I wanted it to go on forever. I think I have become addicted to Kim Stanley Robinson, even though I do get frustrated with his sometimes meandering plots and there are perhaps a few too many descriptions of rocks (although they are mostly pretty awesome).
Overall though, I found the Blue Mars vision of a possible future on terraformed Mars, and KSR's speculations on just about every aspect of life and science from string theory to sexuality, completely mesmerising.
I found out about KSR after hearing a radio interview with him when 2312 was published - I was intrigued that he was described as writing utopian sci fi. I didn't find 3212 particularly utopian, but one of the key themes of the Mars trilogy is the struggle to develop a social and political structure that is just, equitable, and ensures a balance of individual freedom and creativity with the overall needs of the community. I found it fascinating.
I was also impressed with how KSR, throughout the books, tells the story from different and conflicting perspectives. I don't read a lot of sci fi, or even fantasy these days, but my impression is that this is a bit unusual the more simplistic good guys/bad guys approach is by far more common. I prefer KSR's nuanced approach - it's more realistic, and more hopeful - at least in the TV/movie world if not in novels. (looking for other recommendations here, folks).
I reviewed the earlier part of the trilogy here: http://maamej.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/monday-music-your-life-on-mars/
I'm now planning to reread 2312 - I'm not quite ready to let go of outer space.
Overall though, I found the Blue Mars vision of a possible future on terraformed Mars, and KSR's speculations on just about every aspect of life and science from string theory to sexuality, completely mesmerising.
I found out about KSR after hearing a radio interview with him when 2312 was published - I was intrigued that he was described as writing utopian sci fi. I didn't find 3212 particularly utopian, but one of the key themes of the Mars trilogy is the struggle to develop a social and political structure that is just, equitable, and ensures a balance of individual freedom and creativity with the overall needs of the community. I found it fascinating.
I was also impressed with how KSR, throughout the books, tells the story from different and conflicting perspectives. I don't read a lot of sci fi, or even fantasy these days, but my impression is that this is a bit unusual the more simplistic good guys/bad guys approach is by far more common. I prefer KSR's nuanced approach - it's more realistic, and more hopeful - at least in the TV/movie world if not in novels. (looking for other recommendations here, folks).
I reviewed the earlier part of the trilogy here: http://maamej.wordpress.com/2014/06/09/monday-music-your-life-on-mars/
I'm now planning to reread 2312 - I'm not quite ready to let go of outer space.