Customer Reviews

Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang

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Much of this world's history has been shaped by the constant attempts to shift the balance between the individual as an autonomous, self-directing, self-centered, and unique unit and the group society, where everyone's efforts go towards the general welfare, where the individual is merely a replaceable cog. This book takes this battle to the extreme, to where, via cloning, there really are no individuals, only copies, where anyone who disturbs the group is subject to extreme measures, from execution to severe behavioral/mind control to expulsion to the wilderness. True individuals come to be considered 'defective', as they cannot always accept the wishes of the group, they keep coming up with disturbingly new and different ideas, and they place themselves ahead of the group.

To bring about this society, Wilhelm starts with a fairly normal (for science fiction) scenario: due to man's constant pollution of the environment, new diseases appear, eventually either directly killing everyone (and almost all the land animal life also) or rendering them sterile. One group sees a way to save humanity by using cloning techniques, with some promise that after enough generations of cloning, some sexual reproductive capability will reappear.

From this starting point, the book is told in three distinct parts. The first section covers the period when the cloning facilities are being set up against a background of a world society in the throes of collapse. Part two is a look after several clone generations have occurred and an expedition is made to one of ruined cities to salvage needed high-tech supplies for the continuing cloning operation. The expedition exposes both the strength and the weakness of the clone groups, as they find it almost impossible to remain sane when separated from their clone 'brothers' and 'sisters'. One expedition member, Molly, grows so far away from her sisters under the stress that she really becomes an individual. Part three covers the final battle between clones and individuals, as Molly's son Mark grows up as the only 'single' in the group.

Thematically, this book is tautly conceived and executed. The later generations of the clones exemplify the problems of extreme homogeneity, as they find themselves, though extremely intelligent and quick learners, incapable of creative thought and independent action. The down sides of the individual are also exposed, showing the limitations on what one person can do when separated from the group. All of this is displayed pretty much by the character's actions, though there is some exposition via council meetings that are more philosophical statements than planning sessions.

Character development is reasonable, given that most of the clones must remain essentially 'faceless' and the time span covered means that no character lasts more than a third of the book. But this also means that no character is explored in extreme depth, which makes it hard for the reader to become emotionally attached to anyone.

Scientifically, there are problems with this book. An ecology is an extremely complex intertwined entity. When all the land animals die off (including, by specific mention, bees), there will be large affects on the plant population. Many plants can't reproduce at all without the help of certain animal species. The grasses, without a large group of herbivores to keep them in check, would very likely choke out many other plant species. Pollination becomes extremely problematic without bees. Wilhelm attempts to get around this by stating that function is taken over by ants, which would be at best much less efficient than that which occurs with bees. But Wilhelm shows none of these foreseeable affects - the forests and grain fields continue to grow apparently undisturbed. None of these problems directly affects the theme of this book, but it bothered my suspension of disbelief, especially as it was only necessary to kill off all the people, she could have left the animals alone, to get the situation she needed.

This book took the 1977 Hugo Award, and as well told exposition of one the major philosophical battles that man faces today and in the future, it deserved it. But it is a definite 'thinking' book, not one of action, grand drama, or deep psychology. Expect to do some internal reflection when you finish this book, and see how you stack up as an individual versus your place in and responsibilities to your surrounding society.

I am not a big Kate Wilhelm fan, but she poured her heart and soul into this book.

Although the book deals with the subject of Cloning, it is really about the triumph of individualism in a clone society.

The story revolves around a little boy that was raised in secret by his rebellious mother, and the efforts of the clone society to make him fit in. Once discovered he becomes a big problem for the clone society, but the clone society also needs his unique talents. And as he grows into a man, the situation becomes worse and worse, until it comes to a head in the end.

As a book about individualism, this book is even better than Ayn Rands Anthem. Anthem will leave the reader sing praises of individualism. While this book leave the reader with a heartfelt appreciation of individualism and a deep understanding of the tension between of individualism and collectivism. It will touch your heart, your soul, and you mind.

I've read a lot of books, very few of them I'd rate as good, but this book is far better than good. Find this book, and read it today.

American literature of the 60's and 70's has a distinctive flavour of individualism, partly as a product of the worship of the individual heroes (Washington, Davey Crockett, etc.) that explored and/or created the country, and partly as a reaction to the perceived "homogeneity" of communism. By definition, the theory went, a person could not possibly be happy unless he was first free. This award-winning book by Kate Wilhelm is a parable of the triumph of individualism over the collective.

This is not a new theme for science fiction - the Original Star Trek series had a number of such episodes, and the Grand Master Robert Heinlein visited this topic numerous times. "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang" has similarities to the Classic Trek episode "The Apple" and Heinlein's "Farnham's Freehold." But mainly I was reminded of Robert Silverberg's "A Time of Changes" - in both tales a society is developed and then from within that society arises an individual who must destroy the complacency of the society to save its people. In Wilhelm's book, an ecological catastrophe (and a development of human infertility) destroys the human race except a group of scientists that propogate themselves in the only way possible - by cloning. Thus a society of clones: family groups are a batch of 6-10 identical clones raised as a unit. Wilhelm introduces the notion of genetic ESP - basically accepting the supposed (but unproven) link that twins feel for each other (e.g. when one is hurt, the other senses something is wrong). Unfortunately, by cloning the exact same genetic material over and over, subsequent generations of clones become more and more specialised (one group is doctors, one group builds barns, etc.) until no one in the society has any initiative or imagination.

Into this society is introduced an anomaly - actually two. A woman has a traumatic experience that allows her latent individuality to surface. She is impregnated and gives birth to a son - the only "singleton" child in the entire human race. The book mostly follows the lives of these two characters as they rebel against their society and the fear they bring. They know, but no one else can see, that the society is a dead end and they must destroy the cloning system in order to free the potential of the surviving members of the human race.

Wilhelm's book is not perfect - as others have pointed out, the science is pretty simplistic (if not wrong!). You also get the uncomfortable feeling that she hates her creation (the clone society), which leads to an overly "black and white" interpretation: individuality = good, collectivism = bad. But I think this book is meant to be a parable, and as such need not be realistic or subtle. Wilhelm's writing is concise, suspenseful, and very enjoyable. While I think "A Time of Changes" covers much of the same material and does it better, there is no doubt that "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang" is an easier and more enjoyable read.

Science fiction isn't really always about science. The best sci-fi is about humanity, and a futuristic or technological bent allows the author to explore particular aspects of humankind.

Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang is that kind of great science fiction, focusing on humans in a sci-fi setting. The book is about cloning, more or less. But actually, the themes run far deeper than a mere op/ed piece on a technological possibility. Cloning is used as the vehicle to explore the meaning of individuality, the uniqueness of a person, and the consequences of complete homogeneity.

If you like hard edge technological sci-fi, this book isn't for you. But if you're looking for excellent fiction that happens to be in the genre, I'd give this book a hearty recommendation.

Pollution, industrialization, over population, famine. These are just a few of the causes that converge to doom most of the animal life of Earth. A few 'visionaries' foresee this apocalypse, including mass sterility of both plant and animal life. Their research leads to great advances in cloning, which they see as the only means of continuing many species, including man. Eventually, they realize that the cloned humans are more Clone than Human. Clones develop different mentally and emotionally, eventually creating an entirely different, even alien, society. A collective mindset evolves, only to be challenged by the introduction of a true individualist, a rare child of sexual reproduction raised out of the group culture for the first five years of his life.

The scenario brings to mind some of Ayn Rand's work regarding individualism verses collectivism. However, Ms Wilhelm's work is far less preachy and much more gripping.

Highly recommended for aficionados of post-apocalyptic or cloning fiction.

Those familiar with Wilhelm's large catalogue of mystery novels probably don't even know that she won the Hugo Award for best science fiction novel in 1976/77 with this entry. Although this falls into the science fiction genre, it really is able to transcend all the normal SF stereotypes and ends up being a fantastic read.

The book is about a post-holocaust community that aims to perpetuate the human species through cloning. The book is divided into three sections with the first being the best and this could stand alone as a novella by itself although I wouldn't say the book is entirely uneven.

Despite what other reviewers have posted, I think there is some basic cloning science in this but its comprehension in needed to fully appreciate the book. Wilhelm is smart not to delve too hard into the science as capturing the humanistic side of her characters is clearly her strength.

The book expounds on the individual vs. the collective theme and this is one of the reasons why it doesn't feel dated. With cloning on the technological horizon, this book provides an interesting fictional take on the pitfalls of scientific procreation vs. natural childbirth.

Bottom Line: A short book about cloning mixed with a strong dose of humanity. A great book for non-sf readers looking to expand their horizons. A must read for anyone who likes to read the Hugo winners.

I went into the reading of this book as a dreaded high school assignment some time ago, and came away with a haunting image of a society losing individuality and imagination. I was infuriated by the idea that the loss of the characteristics which make us unique was acceptable, expected, and desired. It made me think of what my own ideas of cloning really were, at a time when the subject was just becoming feasible. Have you ever pondered what a society of, say, ten people created over and over into hundreds would be like? This book gives just one view of that situation. As limited as that view may seem, it really opened my mind, and helped me to understand where I want to be in this issue. I HIGHLY suggest reading it, especially if you have followed any of the latest developments in regards to the subject of cloning.

I searched high and low to find this book, and considering that it won the 1977 Hugo, I'm surprised it was so hard to find. I hope that word-of-mouth spreads for this book and that it is republished again soon.

The book deals with many different themes and issues, and at times is reminicient of "1984" and "On the Beach" but at its heart it is a book about a society of clones. And as usual, in matters of new science frontiers, of what society fears and Congress outlaws, science-fiction bridges the gap and asks and answers the questions of ethics and morality that arise.

Doomsday comes and mankind's only hope for survivial is to resort to cloning as its form of reproduction. But a society of clones becomes an almost entirely different species, who live as a collective. But among the clones emerges an individual who challenges the society that he lives in, and exerts his freedom to live and think as an individual. And the battle of collective minds against the individual quickly becomes the battle for the survival of mankind, once again.

Considering the attention that cloning has been getting lately, I urge all fans of sci-fi to seek out old copies of this book, or to encourage the publishers to release a new printing. The book earned its Hugo Award, as twenty years ago it was raising the same questions that are being asked today. The first third of the book seems rushed, and is more of a long prologue than anything, but the last two-thirds of the book are as challenging a subject as any novel in the genre.

"Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang" chronicles the post-holocaust attempts of humanity's remnants to combat sterility through cloning. The author, Kate Wilhelm, posits that multiple and simultaneous cloning of an individual prevents the development of separate egos in the clones, and results instead in the formation of a group identity. She argues this point and the consequent deterioration of the clone society quite convincingly. The successful execution of this idea would alone make a fine novel. When supported by Wilhelm's lush, vivid imagery and gripping drama it becomes a masterpiece.

Damon Knight (Wilhelm's husband and himself a famous author) claimed that the best SF evokes in the reader a "sense of wonder", a reverence of mankind's potential- and engenders despair in the bosom of the aspiring writer who can never hope to duplicate this feat. The inspiration of this awe is the greatest virtue of "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang", and entitles it to a position among the genre's highest achievements.

Kate Wilhelm describes in this story a clone society, which some authors might make out to be a utopia, but which she makes it clear is far from being one. She employs beautiful, descriptive passages describing a range of experiences which derive much of their value from being experienced in solitude: a walk in the woods, drawing a picture, dreaming a lazy dream... Her story leaves one with an experience of the importance of privacy, of having an alone place in your life, and of turning, sometimes, away from the quotidian world of other people and even of sensory input, and finding out how to be still and centered. She seems to be implying that, in some paradoxical ways, the most powerful common experience we can share as human beings is the experience of reflective solitude.

She sets all of this in the context of a society of clones. I should say that this society reminds me a lot of the "Borg" from Star Trek, while noting, of course, that Kate Wilhelm's story was written long before the idea of the Borg occurred to anyone. The clone society concept lets her do all kinds of complex, intriguing things with her ideas, but these actual ideas are quite simple in and of themselves. Simple, important, and worth reading. This book is terrific. Two thumbs up.