Thanks for a very thoughtful consideration of a book that I bought in hardcover when it was new, though I too could rarely afford such indulgences then, but I was really eager to read it. The feminist SF approach to conflict and cooperation you describe was very appealing to me, and it was one of the attractive qualities of this book.
I've long followed the practice of referring to authors as, in this case, Vonda when I'm talking about the persons I know, and McIntyre when I'm discussing the books they wrote.
I'm in the middle of rereading Vonda's science fiction. I started before Sasquan because it seemed an appropriate way to celebrate her being a Guest of Honor. It's going slowly because I am much distracted, but I'm keeping at it. I think endurance is a good word to describe her writing. Vonda describes herself as a failed scientist but her SF is very well informed and somehow it has avoided obsolescence even after four decades of major scientific progress. How she did it, I don't know, but it's quite an accomplishment. I think the essence of the feminist SF movement is a more perceptive and realistic portrayal of human behavior. (Of course other SF has dealt with strong political and social themes, but feminist SF took it to another level. Including the other half of the population helped.) Vonda's early SF has a core of clear-eyed toughness that is holding up very well.
Based on Dreamsnake, A Door into Ocean, and Lilith's Brood, I wonder whether genetic speculation has held up better than, say, information tech, although on that front I have to say I was very impressed by Tiptree's knowledge of computers and software in Up the Walls of the World. Not that it was au courant, but that she knew as much as she did in 1978.
Comments 4
I've long followed the practice of referring to authors as, in this case, Vonda when I'm talking about the persons I know, and McIntyre when I'm discussing the books they wrote.
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment