Customer Reviews

Unconquered Countries: Four Novellas

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

 

 

I read this earlier in the summer, and I have to admit to having forgotten most about the stories here, but I remember being vaguely disappointed after finishing the collection. I like Ryman a lot--his novel, The Child Garden, is one of my favorite novels, and I thought that both Was and 253 were very good. Maybe I just like him at longer lengths?

* "A Fall of Angels" -- Too much science, not enough story. That was my impression, wanting more of what was going on to be explained in a non-mathematical way. This story seemed to lack that sense of wonder--almost lifeless. It has some interesting concepts, but it is too busy to congeal into a pleasing tale.

* "Fan" -- This was my favorite of the collection, a neat look at an obsessive fan of a new pop star, and what happens when you "meet" the object of your dreams. It really examines the relationship between the "star" and the "fan." It is a rich vein of inquiry, and Ryman taps the jugular here. Both surprising and illuminating, it also holds your attention throughout, even though the protagonist is not very appealing.

* "O Happy Day!" -- A "what if" story about a horrible set of circumstances existing between men and women, and a repeat of the horrors of the mid-20th century. The situation looks grim, but only if we forget to be human. A well done bit of cautionary tale. Enjoyable!

* "The Unconquered Country" -- An award-winner, but it has never done that much for me. Overly subtle?

Though wildly inventive, the elements of science fiction in this work feel grounded by humanity and spirituality. I still actively disliked almost all of the stories, though I was never disinterested in the fates of the characters. Ryman is an absorbing, daringly unconventional writer, with an anthology worth perusing just for a taste of the unique.

Why two stars, then? I think Ryman's works will find real appeal in only serious fans of the sociological and/or political science fiction genres. Unless you're just looking for novelty.