I recently finished Perdido Street Station by China Mieville. It was, after some reflection, one of the better books I’ve ever read, and I’m quite glad I stumbled upon it during one of my semi-frequent trips to the Hangzhou Foreign Language Bookstore downtown. If the term “fantasy-SF fusion” doesn’t turn you off immediately, and you have a reasonable large chunk of hours available, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it.
One of the most fascinating concepts in the book is that of “crisis energy,” which is central to Isaac’s efforts to restore Yagharek to flight. The basic concept is that any time an object is in crisis — that is, its state is about to change, like a ball about to roll off a table — there is an energy that, if it were capable of being harnessed, could be used to power all manner of devices. Sort of like potential energy, but more pervasive and not really relying on physics. This is, of course, pure fiction, but Mieville draws it up quite convincingly.
I realized this morning that “crisis energy” is exactly what makes football (soccer) a compelling sport to watch. Many Americans complain that “it’s too low scoring” to be interesting, but that’s exactly the point — a 1-0 match headed into stoppage is perhaps the most thrilling situation a sports fan can find himself in, because the amount of crisis energy surging through the match is palpable. One blown cover, one brilliant through ball, one gutsy cross into the middle and the match spins 180°, crushing the once-sure victors and awarding a precious point to the once-sure losers. That sort of tension, while perhaps matched in other sports, is I would suggest never exceeded.
It can be frustrating too. If your side is dominating the match the for the entirety a stroke of luck can tip the entire match in the favor of the other side to the dismay of all the players and fans.
Left by David on March 14th, 2004
Just finished Perdido Street Station myself, excellent i must say.
If the slightly odd, ambiguos charachters and the brutally honest amorality of the plot interested you, coupled with the obvious intelligence and education of the author - i would encourage you to read anything by KJ Parker.
KJ is a highly qualified weapon and blacksmith and the way the plots of the books are rooted in the physicality of creation is fascinating.
The ‘Fencer at Law’ trilogy is a wonderful work, but amoral and dark in the extreme - at one point the ‘hero’ uses his nephews corpse to fashion a bow to be presented to the boys father. This seems bizzare to begin with but the detail and emotion in the act is disturbingly convincing as a plot line.
However i would reccommend starting with the Scavenger trilogy, a piece of ‘fantasy’ that amazed me.
The basic premise is a man awakes surrounded by corpses and no idea of his own identity. The later plot throws up countless clues and opinions on a variety of possible identities, and even when you think you know who he is believe me you are wrong - or a little bit right. It really is that surprising. Right up until the penultimate page you have no concrete knowledge of the heros identity, whether he is good or evil, whether he wants his menory back or not or even if its a good idea.
This will frustrate entertain and amaze you - read it
Left by Paul Lavery on May 19th, 2005