Austin Scott Collins has something big with his novel Dicing Time for Gladness. The best way to describe this book is aware. It is what many writers call a fantasy mash-up, a mix of historical fiction, fantasy and, in this case, steampunk. The history of the book is honest, ugly, at times, but always honest, but it is meshed with fantasy and steampunk in order to create hope, intrigue and adventure.
The protagonist, Constance, is innocent but searching, and, when she finds freedom and excitement and the possibility to throw off domestic chains in the character Victoria, she cannot help but hope that, in her life time, she could do something different. It is a story that is both fantasy and reality. Reality in the fact that womanhood in the 1800's was close to indentured servitude for most. Collins meshes his dialogue with radical literature on the meaning of equality. These snippets inspire Constance, but they also inspire the reader. The reader is forced to see that our modern world is not kind to women as it pretends to be, viewing it through a time frame that has the same issues we continue to have. It also brings to mind the struggles the LGBT community faces in our modern times, and is a perfect read for the marginalized, looking for inspiration and fuel.
This book is about adventure, yes, but, more accurately it is an intelligent look into power, those who wield it, and what that means for the rest of the world. Very intriguing books with wonderfully written dialogue and a plot that keeps you going. This reviewer wants some more visuals on the nuances of the characters, and the small details of their physical ticks, with a spattering of inner monologue to attach me more to them, but I still love where they are going and am excited for the next book to be released. More please, Collins! 4.7/5
- Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account
