True Names / Vernor Vinge

True Names

by Vernor Vinge

science fiction

original copyright 1980

read in July 2017

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

The novella True Names is, "one of the primary shapers of ... what the net could become." That's what it says on the back cover. Possibly true. It is similar to many (presumably later) stories based on immersive virtual reality supported by the internet. Immersive VR which is still to be achieved.

The *book* True Names is the original novella wrapped in a dozen analyses of... of whatever it is that the analysis writers decided to analyse. The novella itself begins -- almost -- on page 189. Even after the title at the top of the page, there is a bit more than a page of further introduction. Finally, on page 190, this last unknown interventionist writes, "Enough prelude." And -- after a further sentence -- the novella begins.

Oh, and the end of the novella is followed by further analysis.

I actuallly read a novel -- or novella -- in order to enjoy the story. If it *needs* to be explained then the story has failed. If the explanation takes more pages than the story itself... well... This is either a book for students with an assignment to write. Or it is a time-wasting excuse to sell a novella in a novel-sized wrapper.

Be prepared for a lot of analysis of whatever it is that various writers have analysed. Or -- like me -- just skip to page 190 and read the story.

The story itself is quite good. Interesting ideas, interesting vision of a possible future of technology, enjoyable plot. With a solid and believable link between the action in VR and the threat in real life.

There is one idea which is central to the plot -- but which is simply glossed over. No consideration of right or wrong. Yet there is a strong moral question which is the absolute centre of many other science fiction stories. Did the author consider the moral side of this issue? Or did he just run out of words.

And I can't think of any way of even hinting at the issue without completely spoiling the surprise!

It's an entertaining story. Of extra interest if it is, indeed, a leader in the field of immersive VR fiction.

Other than that... A good story wrapped in a lot of extraneous -- to me -- analysis.

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Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
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"The man who cannot visualize a horse galloping on a tomato is an idiot." ... André Breton

https://notdotdeaddotyet.blogspot.com.au/