Monthly Archives: November 2009

And here, at the end of the Book of the New Sun, I find myself without much to say. A pleasantly brain-melting experience. (Well, there was perhaps just a smidge too much cannibalism for me.) I really want to read … Continue reading →

It feels a bit odd to be writing separate entries for these books, as it is really just one long story. Having somewhat drifted out of the story that was being told, Severian’s tale becomes more of a travelogue — … Continue reading →

Severian’s tale continues. In the first book, he says something along the lines of “it was now that I realized that I was mad”. That one tiny doubt makes just about anything that happens when Severian is alone or asleep … Continue reading →

Wolfe loves playing with the trope of the unreliable narrator, sometimes to great effect — Peace probably being the best example of this. Severian, the narrator of the Books of the New Sun, claims an eidetic memory, and recounts events … Continue reading →

Ah. An excellent, imaginative read that dovetails nicely with one of my other hobbies, gaming. Banks can be a frustrating, obtuse read but this is the stuff of compulsion, quick-witted and exciting. The gaming sequences are couched convincingly in the … Continue reading →

Cryptonomicon was just as much fun the second time around. A dimly remembered tale of cryptology and derring-do expanded into a compelling story filled with well-drawn characters and a wonderful sense of excitement and wonder. Even when the narrative overdoes … Continue reading →

I did finish Making Money; it’s a fine book, one in a new sub-series that is great fun. I can’t remember when I finished it or much in the way of specifics. That’s what I get for waiting 4 months … Continue reading →

I haven’t been reading much, lately. I was reading A Fire Upon the Deep in July, when I lost my job; after that, even with so much time on my hands, I was unable to read. Three weeks ago I … Continue reading →