A collection of McDonald's very well done stories of future India. Not too many authors are placing near future events of importance in countries outside the USA, for example. Particularly the American writers, of course, who probably don't like to acknowledge the eroding of their national power base, even if only subconsciously, and transfer that to keeping things going how they are. Loss of hegemony a tad traumatic, given history, it would seem.
McDonald isn't a yank, but is proving to be quite successful in doing the opposite, with Brazil, and India. Undoubtedly there will be many things that the locals would find wrong with these, given that the UK can't even get Australia right, generally, let alone anywhere more different. The value here is the look at somewhere not Western, a huge, ancient land going rapidly into science fictional territory.
McDonald's India has the important AI work and breakthroughs (and alient contact) being supported here, for example - but the country has its own strife, collapsing into a group of nation states after a civil war. It is this rebuilding and reflowering period that a lot of the work.
This collects stories about the young, about rebuilding, about the badly screwed up demographics because of the desire for sons, of AI soap operas, genetically modified children, water problems, and more.
The last story, a long novella, links the rest of his work on India together, and references other stories and the novel River Of Gods in passing, taking things even further, with a fine, new conclusion.
When are his UK publishers going to sell these electronically? This is not some garden variety mediocre who cares work he is producing. Bloody hell.
His work really is outstanding. Exactly what you want to see in this sort of science fiction.
Certainly would like to see if he has an angle on China or Russia, too.
Cyberabad Days : Sanjeev and Robotwallah - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : Kyle meets the River - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : The Dust Assassin - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : An Eligible Boy - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : The Little Goddess - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : The Djinn's Wife - Ian McDonald
Cyberabad Days : Vishnu at the Cat Circus - Ian McDonald
Battletech comes and goes, but pizza always popular.
4 out of 5
Soccer divisions, compounded virtually.
3.5 out of 5
Black Widow water rights kiss.
4 out of 5
AI Matchmaking.
4 out of 5
Aeai multi-skull skill Nepal getaway.
3.5 out of 5
Computer cops crimp AI's carnal cavorting with calisthenic chick.
3.5 out of 5
Too much AI and uploading could be bad for lots of universes.
4 out of 5
5 out of 5
Monday, January 18, 2010
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