Little Fuzzy vs. Fuzzy Nation (Book Review/Contrast)
After having read Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi, I was inspired to re-read the original story by H. Beam Piper. This is more a comparison of the two stories than a straightforward review.
The first thing that struck me was the complexity of the plot. Little Fuzzy is not extremely complicated, but it has far more depth than Scalzi's reboot. This criticism is not just for Scalzi's work, I find that, in general, most science fiction and fantasy being produced today is far simpler than comparable works of the past. Fuzzy Nation, while enjoyable, is more like an "After School Special" adaption of Little Fuzzy.
To be fair, Scalzi's book is recast for modern audiences. This means that it purposely changes things and emphasizes some elements at the expense of others. One of these elements is the role of the military. Jack, the main character, is no longer ex-military, but a unscrupulous disbarred lawyer. The rugged individual of the first book is now a selfish prat who is incapable of forming interpersonal relationships. Despite this flaw, he muddles through and manages to do the right thing. This de-emphasis of the military extends throughout the story. In Little Fuzzy, they are instrumental to the plots unfolding. In Fuzzy Nation, they barely make an appearance.
The role of the female psychologist is also changed. In the original, she is a strong character who is revealed as such as the story unfolds. In the reboot, she is more of a foil, an ex-love interest of the main character, but a part of "the good guys team" from beginning to end. Frankly, she is more boring and conventional in her new role.
While the original story could be construed as promoting a rather parochial colonialism and a metaphor for the idealistic implementation of Kipling's "White Man's Burden," I found the deus ex machina used to promote the Modern Humanistic romanticization of native people's to be a bit trite.
Finally, I would like to dwell on the overarching thematic feel of the two works. While both end with a big trial to determine whether the Fuzzies are sentient, Scalzi's work seems to portray the idea of the totalizing embrace of government and the law as a vehicle to solve all problems and to rectify injustice. The role of the individual is to game the system. In Piper's novel, the story revolves around individuals with strong character acting to accomplish what they feel is right.
In summary, Piper's vision is more in depth, less topical and has a quality that will be appreciated another 50 years hence. While Scalzi's work was entertaining, it fails to carry the same level of engagement.
LibraryThing entry