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sqwaytalqs's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
scotchneat's review
3.0
Some big Canadian names in this collection of short stories meant to follow the near future into the plausible, the fantastic and the entertaining.
There's a wide-ranging number of styles, lots of sardonic humour and some interesting what-ifs. Lots of absurdity. I like absurdity.
In some of the imaginings, Canada is barricaded from the US that has devolved into a dystopian nightmare, William Gibson makes an appearance, as does Douglas Coupland, which in itself, is a big deal.
There's also an end-game version of "Survivor" (Coupland), and one future in which the only man left on the planet is Prince (aptly called "1999"). Another story that stayed with me involved a group of teens in Waterloo, ON (hey, hometown!) whose blackberries become the Delphic oracle of life.
Great bedtime reading, since you can read a story and put it aside.
There's a wide-ranging number of styles, lots of sardonic humour and some interesting what-ifs. Lots of absurdity. I like absurdity.
In some of the imaginings, Canada is barricaded from the US that has devolved into a dystopian nightmare, William Gibson makes an appearance, as does Douglas Coupland, which in itself, is a big deal.
There's also an end-game version of "Survivor" (Coupland), and one future in which the only man left on the planet is Prince (aptly called "1999"). Another story that stayed with me involved a group of teens in Waterloo, ON (hey, hometown!) whose blackberries become the Delphic oracle of life.
Great bedtime reading, since you can read a story and put it aside.
porsane's review
4.0
A collection of Canadian stories about endings. More New Weird than standard sf, like all collections, it's a mixed bag, but plenty for everyone.
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