M John Harrison, Light, Book Review
Overwiew Of Dazzling Sci-fi Novel From Long Running Fiction Writer
Apr 20, 2009
Surrounding the Kefahuchi Tract- a spatial anomaly streamed with dark matter- lie the numerous planetary ventures of mankind who, within a galaxy teeming with life, have managed to exploit the technologies of civilisations billions of years dead in their quest to understand the universe. It's the 25th century, and Seria Mau Genlicher travels the galaxy in The White Cat, a man-modified alien ship, of incomprehensible speed and manoeuvrability. With her she carries an ancient alien artefact with baffling and dangerous secrets.
400 years earlier, at the dawn of a new millennium, Michael Kearny lives a life of murder and twisted sexual desire as he and co worker Brian Tate attempt to uncover the truth of reality and bring about the technical revolution that will enable mankind to travel beyond their home world in the centuries to come.
The Universe of Light
Light introduces readers to a vividly built universe, of which the human race has only recklessly scratched the surface. It is a story balanced between urban realism and the fantastically impossible, with a complex and engaging cast of characters. In this depiction of a future travelling among the stars, nothing is quite what it seems.
Aside from the numerous descrptions of space warfare and political relations with other life forms, the story of Light often takes place on the surfaces of worlds colonised by human beings in their 400 year venture from planet earth. These urban environments have a gritty overtone reminiscent of Phillip K Dick, where humanity has descended into plights of indulgence, redesigning itself into aesthetically pleasing forms and immersing itself into escapist worlds of virtually reality at the cost of their own memories. Though containing technological advancements often beyond imagining, the comparisons between this fictional world and the modern real world are numerous and not difficult to detect.
Harrison's Use of Narrative
M John Harrison lowers readers into the thick of the story. From the very outset plotlines are set and stipulations are put into place. Only later are readers given the chance to settle in and attempt to unravel the mysteries of this intricately fabricated universe. As the exploits of each character unfold, adventure is mixed with mystery and the results range often between the humorous and the horrific.
M John Harrison's writing is masterfully paced, a fluent mix of the bafflingly scientific and the superbly imagined. References to modern culture are seamlessly fused with concepts far removed, and his use of flashbacks, key phrases and iconic objects make this amongst other things a tightly woven puzzle of a book. Although during the resolution most things are explained, readers may find themselves wishing to read through again to further decipher many of the hidden meanings of this layered and purposeful novel.
Injecting New Life into Science Fiction
Light is a book that seems to come from nowhere, presenting an assault of the imagination infused from several genres of literature. It is adventurous, bizzare, amusing and unsettling. M john Harrison proves that even in the often niche market of sci-fi, no genre will turn stale as long as imagination and good storytelling prevails to inject new life into it.
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