Monument / Lloyd Biggle Jnr

Monument

by Lloyd Biggle Jnr

science fiction

copyright 1974

read in January 2021

rated 6/10: read to pass the time

A lot of my attitudes were shaped by science fiction. I grew up with messages about major problems with society, such as the perils of modern development on culture and the environment. This is one of the message-heavy books from the era of my youth.

It's not bad. It's not particularly good, either.

The style smacks of Asimov. There are nice people following a very clever plan. There are representatives of all that is evil -- yes, that's our modern civilization --  people who will happily destroy Paradise for their own gain. Luckily, the Plan (yes, capitalised) is very clever.

The final solution is clever but inadequately explained. There's a mysterious court case, no prior hint, very little explanation. I can see how the locals can avoid the penalties of a new law -- but I can't see an explanation in the book.

The message is still valid. The book is easy to read. It's not a great book.

Nick Lethbridge    /    Consulting Dexitroboper
Agamedes Consulting    /   Problems? Solved.
   ===

We are here and it is now. After that, everything tends towards guesswork... Didactylos in Small Gods