Customer Reviews

The Nagasaki Vector

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

 

 

Set in the same framework as one of his other great books, The Probability Broach, Mr. Smith has created yet another tongue-in-cheek, cynical and sarcastic poke at established society and liberalism. The hero, Bernie Gruenblum, is a delightfully politically incorrect individual; a refreshing character in an age where more and more authors find it impossible to visualize anything controversial. Bernie's one desire is to sit back, enjoy life (preferably a large beer and long cigar with a wench on the side), but keeps getting interupted with crises such as his flying-saucer/time-machine getting hijacked. Again, like his other North American Confederacy books, if you are a liberal or of left wing politics, don't bother. Otherwise it is a GREAT and amusing read

I found this novel to be hysterically funny. While reading it, keep an eye out for the many names that are anagrams for public figures - makes it even funnier...

this is the funniest of all the L Neil Smith books...from the prospective of someone from an over reaching government to total Libertarianism and the shock that comes from oppressiveness to total freedom...just a great funny read for future Ron Paulites

This is easily the most humorous of Smith`s NAC series of novels.
Win Bear gets a visit from an unusual fellow who is not just from the future, but a future produced by an alternate history.
The visitor`s life is a bit of a mess, what with his time machine being hijacked, ending up in an unfamilure alternate past, the hijackers trying to do him in, and being followed around by a group of tiny aliens who are convinced that he is god.
A fun story.

Combines the worst features of Kim Stanley Robinson and Jerry Pournelle, without the redeeming qualities of either.

I'm generally sympathetic towards libertarian ideas and fiction. But this book made me want to go out and repress someone, just to be contrary. The only people I can imagine liking this are people who are already absolutely convinced of the absolute and unconditional RIGHTEOUSNESS of the author's 2x4 message (whack!), with neither nuance nor room for discussion. If that fits your religion, go for it.

There are better treatments out there. Anyone who wants some really first-class libertarian writing should check out Vernor Vinge's story "The Ungoverned," or Poul Anderson's Hugo-winning "No Truce With Kings." Both of these are far better stories, far better written--and far more convincing.