Near Future Sci-Fi

Just read a couple of sci-fi books which did not involve whizzing around outta space (which I also enjoy a lot too). Both extrapolated current developments and painted versions of the future which were not too much of a stretch for the imagination.

First up was Genus by Jonathan Trigell which was set in Kings Cross, London, transformed into a ghetto of ’unimproved’ after genetic engineering and designer babies has become the norm for those that can provide it (which is most people as parents will mortgage their lives to give their children the best start). There’s also been a couple of religious wars thrown in which has made England a tiny enclave.

The book read like an enjoyable detective movie and the future setting made for some playful ideas (i.e. the Kray like gang who are all identical clones so no one ever knows who’s done what) but the characters were remarkably one dimensional. I kept reading as the plot was intriguing – like continuing to watch a movie to find out what happens. If it were a movie it would have been enjoyable with a good plot but nothing to rave about.

Air by Geoff Ryman is a book to rave about. Set in a remote Asian village which is the last to receive the latest technological innovation, air, which is basically the internet in your head. This book deals with more far-fetched innovations than Genus but by making the characters and setting so real and believable you go with it. The setting made for an intriguing read, not at all what I expected. Really showed off Ryman’s writing skills, I felt like I was there observing it rather than watching a movie. In fact I think what made the book so great was that the setting contrasted old world with new showing a dilemma we always face with new technology. As one character says in response to being asked if believe the old folklore:

‘Not really. Not with the top part of my head. But, this old stuff – it produces the right words. You just say what the old people would have said, and something is explained. Somehow it’s all easier to bear’.

That links nicely with the non-fiction books I reading on belief right now. But back to Air – it worked on so many levels and completely sucked me. Whereas most books have a predictable tidy up at the end this kept me guessing and I ended it with the feeling that was a completely satisfying read.