Enjoyed the review, Ben. Silverberg is a great writer; I read his novel “The Long Way Home” when it was in serial form in Asimov’s back in 2000, and really enjoyed it. Where I really “met” Silverberg, though, was his commentary in an anthology of old sf stories called “Worlds of Wonder.” It’s meant to be a writer’s textbook, of sorts, and back then I was still trying to pound out sci-fi short fiction. Silverberg was a very inspiring and encouraging “coach.” I really should read more of his original stuff, but I loved his comments on classic fiction.
I haven’t tried this novel, although I’m pretty sure I’ve read the short story or novella in its original form – it sounds vaguely familiar.
I’m going to have to check out some more of his stuff. Part of what I love about classic sci-fi writers like Silverberg is how much story and depth they pack into relatively short novels. Not that I don’t love long books too, but there’s something about a quick 150-300 page read that packs a huge punch
Enjoyed the review, Ben. Silverberg is a great writer; I read his novel “The Long Way Home” when it was in serial form in Asimov’s back in 2000, and really enjoyed it. Where I really “met” Silverberg, though, was his commentary in an anthology of old sf stories called “Worlds of Wonder.” It’s meant to be a writer’s textbook, of sorts, and back then I was still trying to pound out sci-fi short fiction. Silverberg was a very inspiring and encouraging “coach.” I really should read more of his original stuff, but I loved his comments on classic fiction.
I haven’t tried this novel, although I’m pretty sure I’ve read the short story or novella in its original form – it sounds vaguely familiar.
I’m going to have to check out some more of his stuff. Part of what I love about classic sci-fi writers like Silverberg is how much story and depth they pack into relatively short novels. Not that I don’t love long books too, but there’s something about a quick 150-300 page read that packs a huge punch