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Tancredi
Tancredi was born on the same day that scientists discovered a new star. It was so small it had gone unnoticed for millennia. Stargazers named it Surprise, in the spirit of a little astrological joke. On closer inspection they made another finding, this one less amusing. After a lifetime of obscurity the diminutive star intended to draw attention to itself. Activity on its surface indicated that one day it would go supernova. A star, so insignificant it had escaped detection, was destined to be the instrument of Armageddon across the Universe.
Humankind has become so riddled with the disease of short-termism that it ignores its fate. Tancredi decides to make it his mission to save the Earth. Made rich by his invention of the MoronOmeter, he buys a ticket for the space ship Invincible on its maiden voyage through the galaxy.
It is a decision that will change everything.
Humankind has become so riddled with the disease of short-termism that it ignores its fate. Tancredi decides to make it his mission to save the Earth. Made rich by his invention of the MoronOmeter, he buys a ticket for the space ship Invincible on its maiden voyage through the galaxy.
It is a decision that will change everything.
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
177 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 1, 2012
This review was originally published at: http://www.bartsbookshelf.co.uk
I bought this one last time I was down in London, I was immediately drawn in by the synopis and gorgous presentation (good quality paper, slip-cover even though it’s a paperback, and some wonderful illustrations scattered thoughout. I though I’d found myself a little gem!… And the I spotted the ratings in a few places and my heart fell. It seemed to score quite poorly in most place. in direct comparison to the platitudes on the back (which to be honest were all for Palumbo’s previous book, Tomas.)
Of course after reading it for myself neither extreme was completely true., in no way is the the best book I’ve read, the plot is all over the place, and really just a series of set pieces with tenuous or non existent links between them. In fact I almost expected plot ninja to burst on to the page to carry them to the next planet!
And Palumbo didn’t doesn’t seem to bothered about continuity, some events happen and characters disappear only then to reappear when needed, with reasons when they are given, are explained after the fact, and often made to fit.
But then the characters are quite strong, and you do root for Tancredi in all his naivety, and for the friends he meets, and while it appears that the author is being as subtle as a breeze-block in his message, that’s only on the surface (and part of the point) some of the satire is more subtle than that.
I’m really pleased I persevered with it, as I did end up quite enjoying it (and I think I’d have probably loved it as a teenager) but I can see why some people just can’t get past the ‘out there’ nature of the plot and writing. Because if James Palumbo can’t get you to accept it, it is just a frustrating mess. But if he does, it just about works.
I bought this one last time I was down in London, I was immediately drawn in by the synopis and gorgous presentation (good quality paper, slip-cover even though it’s a paperback, and some wonderful illustrations scattered thoughout. I though I’d found myself a little gem!… And the I spotted the ratings in a few places and my heart fell. It seemed to score quite poorly in most place. in direct comparison to the platitudes on the back (which to be honest were all for Palumbo’s previous book, Tomas.)
Of course after reading it for myself neither extreme was completely true., in no way is the the best book I’ve read, the plot is all over the place, and really just a series of set pieces with tenuous or non existent links between them. In fact I almost expected plot ninja to burst on to the page to carry them to the next planet!
And Palumbo didn’t doesn’t seem to bothered about continuity, some events happen and characters disappear only then to reappear when needed, with reasons when they are given, are explained after the fact, and often made to fit.
But then the characters are quite strong, and you do root for Tancredi in all his naivety, and for the friends he meets, and while it appears that the author is being as subtle as a breeze-block in his message, that’s only on the surface (and part of the point) some of the satire is more subtle than that.
I’m really pleased I persevered with it, as I did end up quite enjoying it (and I think I’d have probably loved it as a teenager) but I can see why some people just can’t get past the ‘out there’ nature of the plot and writing. Because if James Palumbo can’t get you to accept it, it is just a frustrating mess. But if he does, it just about works.
January 8, 2019
I'm surprised at the low rate this book has so far, I thought it was really amusing and I couldn't put it down.
October 14, 2011
Don't get the hype. Very disappointed.
October 31, 2011
To be added after book club!
November 26, 2011
A load of over-rated nonsense.
January 3, 2012
A satirical look at life's hypocrisies, easy to read and not too bad.
November 15, 2011
Pretty good, quite funny in places - nothing special though.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews