Customer Reviews

Who Goes Here?

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

 

 

I'll begin by stating that I think Bob Shaw to be one of the greatest SF writers ever (bar none). Bearing my bias in mind 'Who Goes Here' is a clever, easy to read and well plotted novel. I reluctantly admit it to be slightly less enjoyable than some of the author's other works because often the book's humour doesn't quite work. Still, you wouldn't go wrong to pick this up provided you appreciate intelligent writing, original ideas and minimal cliches.

Ok, I'll admit, I totally bought this while confusing it with "Who Goes There?" which was the basis for the films "The Thing" & "The Thing From Another World". Although not at all what I expected I did discover an original story that deals with some really neat concepts and that would otherwise would have turned into a confusing mindf--- by a less talented writer. The tone of the novel is somewhat strange at times. I think Bob Shaw had some personal issues he was trying to work through with this work, I'm not a psychoanalyst but there were times when I would really think there was a tortured soul writing this otherwise humorous "romp". I am a sucker however when writers bring up brilliant concepts, like interstellar foreign legions, but move on into personal stories and not delve into the idea too far. An original novel and definitely worth checking out. You may find a new favourite.

Unlike the previous reviewer I think the humour works though the jokes don't. Unfortunately in the sequel Shaw keeps the jokes and loses the humour. It's a total turkey don't bother with it. I think this is a great book though and routinely recommend it.