Customer Reviews

Human Voices: Science Fiction Stories (Five Star Speculative Fiction Series)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The influence of James Gunn should not be ignored in literary science fiction. This collection of tales shows nuggets of insight into the nature of humanity. Written over a period of three decades, the stories sometimes show their historical place as well as universal appeal. "Child of the Sun," for example, has that 70s feel, related to but a step up from his previous story-turned-film THE IMMORTAL. It was incorporated into his novel CRISIS, and one wonders if the writers of QUANTUM LEAP had read it. Nearly all of the stories in the collection address some aspect of human nature, whether it be the trials/selfishness of growing old in "The Old Folks" or the need for companionship in "The North Wind." Technology is background for the stories, so gadget-lovers might want to look elsewhere. What the book does well is examine people, especially people under stress. Alonzo, for example, must deal, as mayor of San Francisco, with the prediction of a major earthquake in "Fault." And Dr. Knowland must deal with the "death of science" and his whole understanding of the world in "The Day the Magic Came Back." The collection reads well as a collection, but works better at the individual story level. Some stories are adventurous ("The Giftie" and "Child of the Sun" for example) while others are more thoughtful without being introspective ("The Futurist" and "Man of Parts" for example). There is no WINESBURG, OHIO effect from reading the stories together. The informative introduction provides important context for each story. Reading this book was like sitting down with an old friend, for me. Even if you are new to Gunn's writing, science fiction lovers should all find something intriguing in this short story buffet.

Gunn gives an introduction to the book, talking about each story in turn, and the general phases of his writing career. Seems he was nearing the ton in published short stories when this came out.

Human Voices : The Old Folks - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Voices - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : Fault - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : Guilt - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : Child of the Sun - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The North Wind - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : Amoung the Beautiful Bright Children - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Futurist - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : Man of Parts - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Gingerbread Man - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Day the Magic Came Back - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Lens of Time - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The End-of-the-World Ball - James E. Gunn
Human Voices : The Giftie - James E. Gunn


Nasty geriatrics. Run away.

3.5 out of 5


Nice to know they are there, but they can keep the rubbish they are sending us.

3 out of 5


Earthquake prediction seduction danger.

3.5 out of 5


Precrime punishment probability probation.

4 out of 5


Past power girl rescue.

3.5 out of 5


Cold as ice, finally gets southern vision.

3 out of 5


Capsule skillset seduction.

3 out of 5


Past advice sphinxlike.

4 out of 5


Body bit solution power.

3 out of 5


New part issues.

3 out of 5


Faith healing shot.

3 out of 5


Diamond microscope possibilities, Fitzy.

4 out of 5


Millenial nookie nasty waiting.

3.5 out of 5


Anti-matter space plans mean vested disinvolvement preferred. Internet upload fixes them.

4 out of 5