Miévillians discussion
Bas-lag & The Scar
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My review of PSS is here:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
It took this Discussion Group to make me pick it off the shelf and read it.
Very nice review, Ian, (as always) but i need to warn PSS virgins that it is brimming with spoilers, so, let's hope Ian will cover those so that we can read the whole review to the end without fear. :D
Traveller wrote: "Very nice review, Ian, (as always) but i need to warn PSS virgins that it is brimming with spoilers, so, let's hope Ian will cover those so that we can read the whole review to the end without fear..."I have added a spoiler warning at Trav's request.
However, I still leave it up to the reader to determine whether to read the review or not.
Most of my reviews (and most of the content of my reviews) are thematic, not plot-driven.
I tried to compose this review in the same vein. In fact, I severely limited the number of issues I discussed, because I was sensitive to not revealing too much of the plot of the novel.
I reveal the identity of the principal antagonists and that Isaac waged war with them. I discuss one tool in this battle, because it is a central scientific and philosophical theme. I don't discuss any joint ventures /alliances or the outcome of the war.
I do mention what it is that the antagonists do as the basis of their antagonism.
In retrospect, it seems that the detail of this antagonism is first revealed in the novel around one quarter of the way through (page 169 of the 622 page version).
If you wish to avoid spoilers altogether, I would delay reading my review until you have at least got to that point of the book.
Thank you, Ian. :)Read yours and liked it, Aubrey, and about to read yours, Mosca.
The Scar was my first Mieville, and I'm afraid I didn't like it, so I don't necessarily suggest fans read my review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...I was persuaded to give him another chance when I heard him speak passionately about Mervyn Peake and Gormenghast, but didn't get round to picking up another until someone suggested I try The City and The City with this wonderful group. And I liked it! Then I read Embassytown with this group, and loved that even more. Thanks!
Cecily, re the spoilers in your review; I suspect you might enjoy the puissance of my review, once it is out...
One thing I can say about The Scar, irrespective of everything else, is that Uther Doul is an incredibly interesting character to me. I'm not digging the book overall as much as Perdido, but it's still pretty good! The slog through the middle is what holds it back I think. Though perhaps maybe it's just me who thinks it's slow. A few friends of mine love this book like crazy!
The end part certainly makes up for a lot of its faults.
Traveller: Are you done? Or close to done? I was only asking because you were at like 50% the other day; that's some fast reading!
I am done, Joseph, and I'm busy with my review, which to me is usually the more painful process of reading/reviewing. :PHow far has your own reading progressed?
81% done! Might finish today or tomorrow!!
K. :)Well, here's my little contribution to the reviewing effort. I hope you guys enjoy the extra bit of spice with this one : http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Traveller wrote: "Cecily, re the spoilers in your review; I suspect you might enjoy the puissance of my review, once it is out..."It is indeed very puissanty. ;)
Uther Doul is a superhero - hard to beat in a fight :)
Timday wrote: "Uther Doul is a superhero - hard to beat in a fight :)"Yes, actually The Scar would be good movie material. I think action fans would love Uther. :D
Please feel free to post links to any of the three Bas-lag novels in this thread.
Just don't forget to mention the name of the review you're linking to, since we cannot create sub-folders in GR groups.
Thanks!
EDIT: We're going to make this folder for The Scar in particular, since we have an in-depth discussion of Perdido Street Station here, http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_... and will be doing a separate one for Iron Council towards the end of 2013.