Customer Reviews

The Still, Small Voice of Trumpets

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Lloyd Biggle, Jr's _The Still, Small Voice of Trumpets_ posits a future where mankind has spread to the stars, and attempts to integrate newfound worlds with intelligent life into a galactic Federation. One of the prerequisites for entry is a global, democratic government. The galactic federation believes that it cannot visibly impose democracy on a world, so it works through the machinations of the Interplanetary Relations Bureau to secretly foment democratic rebellions on newfound worlds before officially integrating them into the greater galactic community. Most of these worlds are at a technological level that makes them unaware of space flight and the existence of intelligent life outside of their world.

The story centers on one such planet, Kurr, where the IRB has failed (for 400 years!) to foment democratic reforms in one of its major kingdoms. The kingdom is ruled by a tyrant who knows how to appease and oppress his people, in balance and as necessary, to keep them happy with the current state of affairs. Jef Forzon, a high-ranking member of a different organization, the "Cultural Survey", finds himself wrapped up in shadowy IRB dealings to try to bring down the king and institute a democratic government. But rogue elements within the IRB are working against them.

Jef's unique skills and perspective as a student of culture enable him to think laterally through the difficulties the loyal IRB people face, and stand him in good stead on a planet where art is highly valued.

Overall Biggle's work is erudite and sharp. It contrasts sharply with the typical sf milieus of either "big ships in space" or "angst-ridden distopianism" that pervades so much sci-fi. I found the cultural elements in the book to be a refreshing change of pace, and there were enough plot twists to hold interest in the main storyline. I enjoyed this book and anyone looking for scifi that eschews the mainstream to go its own way, but is intelligent and exciting nonetheless should avail themselves of any opportunity to read it. Recommended.