Space Opera
by Catherynne M Valente
science fiction?
copyright 2018
part read in October 2020
rated 5/10: readable but only if there's nothing else
I admire the way that an author selects just the right elements -- from a huge grab bag of possibilities -- to provide a gripping story. Irrelevant items are discarded. Only the most relevant items are retained. The author works hard to present a readable book in which each word is essential to the reader's understanding or enjoyment.
This author has a different approach. Use every word and phrase which comes to mind.
A cat, dog, monkey, elephant walked, ran, slithered up the stairs, down the stairs, along the footpath, into the house... Sometimes it makes sense, as a series of related items. Sometimes it is the author's way of not wasting any of the random ideas which come to mind. Paid by the word, perhaps?
Yes, it can be read. Yes, there are some chuckles to be had. Yes, it is nonsense and not worth the effort.
I categorise this as "science fiction". I suspect that it is intended to be humorous. The main thrust seems to be social satire.
Three chapters was readable -- with a growing sense of, What the?! Then I stopped reading because yes, I do have other books to read.
Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting / Problems? Solved.
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When all else fails, have someone else read the instructions" … per Ginger Meggs
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