Ok, this is one of two “reviews” I’m going to post for John Scalzi’s latest novel, Redshirts. This one came about because I sent Scalzi a tweet telling him that I was irked about how difficult it was going to be to review the book. [Spoilers could so easily abound!] Mark Lawrence caught the tweet, and suggested that I
“perhaps use a series of animal pictures wherein the expressions of kittens, elephants, etc., convey your thoughts?”
To which I, naturally, replied: “Done.”
So, here it is. As a dog lover, but also someone familiar with internet memes, I have provided (where possible) a parallel dog and cat (or, “kitteh”) review of various emotions I went through while reading Redshirts. This is far from exhaustive, of course.
[This is a one-time thing. Probably.]
At first, during the prologue, I was a little sceptical.
However, as the novel progressed, and I got to know the characters a little better, I started to find things rather amusing. The early chapters were filled with plenty of knowing, endearing asides and elements that are sure to please every fan of classic sci-fi television.
There were scenes that would make me grin like a fool, and others that would make me laugh at the absurdity of the crew’s situation, or a well-placed witticism.
After a while (roughly two-thirds of the way into the book), I became a little confused, as everything changed.
Perhaps even sceptical, again.
Nevertheless, despite the complete shift in gears, style and content in the final third of the book, it would be a lie to say I didn’t enjoy reading the main story of the novel. It’s fun, endearing, nostalgic science-fiction fun. It’s not perfect, but I can’t imagine any fan of sci-fi TV and novels not enjoying the wry poking-of-fun at some of the genre’s classic tropes, niggles and mores. In sum:
Just remember, whatever you do, if you find yourself on a space-ship wearing a red shirt, make sure you do one thing:
“Avoid the Narrative.”
I think you've found the PERFECT answer to Justin's Cheryl'd reviews.
ReplyDeletePeople do seem to like this...
DeleteI shall probably do this again.
Genius. Simply genius.
ReplyDeletei believe sceptical dog has much to teach us. Also, it's clear that writng's day is drawing to a close and soon whole books with be writen in animal-face.
ReplyDeletePs -I hate typing on this crapy iPad
ReplyDeleteSceptical dog is most wise, it's true. He shall share his scepticism widely and wisely in future reviews.
DeleteI finished Redshirts earlier today. I don't remember the last book that had me laughing so hard!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I just finished the book, and I think we had a very similar experience. I mean, I definitely made all those expressions. You missed one, where I was briefly furious... until I looked at the next page.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the first two-thirds of the book; the story was interesting and well executed. Scalzi does a great job conveying the cognitive dissonance the characters experience as the reality of the situation is revealed. Sadly, the last third of the book was not so enjoyable.
ReplyDelete