Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
Posted October 07, 2001
Robinson's book is set in the near-future when the Antartica treaty expires. The NSF and other scientific organizations are fighting to keep control of the continent (and to keep their budgets), countries and companies alike are beginning to exploit Antartica's mineral resources, adventure travelers flock to relive the explorations of Amundsen and Scott, people are settling in Antartica, and eco-terrorists are beginning to fight everyone else.
In this complex situation, a worker, a tour guide and a congressional aide all try to understand Antartica and themselves. The book seamlessly blends history, science and speculation about Antartica's future with personal dramas.
I really liked this book. Like Robinson's other work, it is filled with action, politics and hard science fiction. However, I rate the book a "0" instead of a " because it was too much like Robinson's Red Mars. The similarities in plot and characterization are striking.
| Extended spoilers for both Red Mars and Antarctica follow (highlight with mouse to reveal text):
Both books feature hidden communities headed by women that are trying to adapt to new environments (rather than adapt those environments to their needs). In both cases, these communities are seen at the end of the book as blue prints for a new kind of society. The women who head these communities are interchangeable: both are multi-talented, unusual, beautiful, and followed almost religiously by their people. The central conflict in both books is started by an unexpected attack by a secret organization that is never fully revealed in the book. The main character in both books travels around exploring issues and talking to people to understand their problems (this takes up the bulk of both books, and is the main narrative device). The problems faced by the communities are in both books are discussed at high powered, dramatic political meetings (in one case, these meetings are a failure, while in the other the outcome is left ambivalent). The central theme of both books is that humans should adapt to their environments, instead of the reverse. The main female character of both books is an unattainable goddess. While they both have relationships with men, the main male characters (who are in love with them), cannot have them. More can be said, but I hope this illustrates my point. |
Key to symbols
+ recommended
0 fine
- forgetable
* library book
Previously Reviewed
by category
General Fiction
Science Fiction
Mysteries & Thrillers
General Non-Fiction
Polar Exploration
Cookbooks
Arts & Crafts
Writing Guides
Recently Recommended
In The Shadow of No Towers [+]*
The Girl Who Played Go [+]*
The Salt Roads [+]*
If Chins Could Kill [+]*
Secret Soldiers [+]*
Caveat Lector: This website documents my own reading adventure. I am the only reviewer and book selection is guided by my own tastes and interests. You may or may not agree with my opinions -- that's what makes the world an interesting place.
