On 12/09/22 07:37, Titus G wrote:
> Eversion. Alastair Reynolds.
>
> Prior to beginning this, I read the four non SF books of Lawrence
> Durell's Alexandrian Quartet which were quite a way above my literary
> ability to comprehend even with phone internet access. I thoroughly
> enjoyed them at a lesser level but it was still slow reading and I doubt
> whether I would ever understand Pursewarden's philosophy(s) without
> assistance.
>
> In contrast, Reynolds is writing events and characters. I loved his
> Revelation Space series despite being disappointed with Inhibitor Phase.
>
> Eversions first chapter reminded me of Simmonds' "The Terror" with a
> similar situation, a ship, (powered by sail), threatened by closing ice
> in the far north, a ship on a mission, this time hired for a quest.
> I really can't say much without taking away some of the potential
> reader's enjoyment. Of course there is conflict and deception and
> surprises. It has the Sisyphus and perhaps Dark Tower of his Diamond
> Dogs but not the Knight Roland. The characters and their interactions
> are brilliant. It was Chapter 6 or 7 when I stopped just enjoying and
> had trouble putting it down and am now most of the way through. Even if
> the ending is rubbish I will still have had a most enjoyable read.
> Will report when finished.

Title should have been Eversion, not Eversions.
And to confuse matters further the protagonist, a doctor, is sniffing opium.

Brilliant. The final explanation was a little tedious, reminiscent of an
Agatha Christie thriller but the ending was also brilliant. Highly
recommended.