Customer Reviews

A Barnstormer In Oz

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A Barnstormer in Oz seems to me to be an exercise in explaining the wonders of Oz in scientific terms. Or, at least as close to scientific as you can get in a world of magical events that defy explanation. Farmer has done an excellent job of that. His narrative also includes action sequences which serve to enliven the tale and create suspense, so that it's not just one long treatise. The dual purpose of the text therefore feels a little disjointed, as though explanations must be interrupted for something interesting to happen, and vice versa. I enjoyed Farmer's perspective, but was not much caught up in the action. The subplot of what would happen if Americans invaded Oz was much more fascinating to me than the eventual defeat of the evil Erakna. The resolution of this plot seemed rather protracted, and the climactic scene was rather confusing to read. I found I was spending more time trying to picture what Farmer was describing, than feeling the suspense and excitement of the altercation. This is an interesting book, but recommended only for hardcore fans of the Land of Oz.

"Barnstormer in Oz" is the late Philip Jose Farmer's fascinating take on the magical land. Farmer does some revisionist history--it's as if the Wonderful Wizard of Oz never had any sequels. The Scarecrow still reigns in the Emerald City, Glinda the Good is again battling an evil witch. Oz is on the verge of civil war. Into the story flies Hank Stover, Dorothy Gale's son. He finds out he is in a parallel universe. He marries and impregnates one woman while romancing Glinda on the side. Their passionate love affair sets the stage for crucial events.

"Barnstormer" is a unique contribution to the Oz canon. Farmer attempts some scientific explanations for talking animals, sentient objects, and whether there was reproduction in that magical land. It stands out as one of Farmer's most accessible books.

Philip Jose Farmer will be remembered as a revolutionary science fiction author. (1918-2009)

A pilot hits a funny green cloudy thing and just like his mum, is not in Kansas anymore, even without the annoying dog.

Farmer's book, as the subtitle suggests, comes out with some pseudoscientific entertaining stuff to explain all the whackiness in oz. Adventure with witches ensues.