Is it just me or does it appear that this newest novel is a big departure from the others, in not only style, but also substance? For example: instead of the normal 3 or 4 plot lines that gradually intersect, each involving different characters, in Pattern Recognition, there is only one. Also, on a whole the novel seems to be sticking more closely to the real world in general. Thoughts?
Mr. Gibson said in his blog (a couple of times, I think) that he deliberately set out to make a book with one point of view, instead of his previous multiple intersecting plotlines. I'd link you the blog, but I'd have to go find my searchable blog file (which needs updating, now that I think of it).
As for sticking to the present (or the recent past), I think WG may actually have given up, to some extent, on SF. He's always insisted he was talking about the present anyway, but some recent comments of his suggest that he might not think SF has much going for it as a way of doing that anymore. (I don't hold with that, personally, but he's certainly entitled to his opinions, given that he is the bestselling author, and I'm a guy posting on his message board.)
Originally posted by colin: Mr. Gibson said in his blog (a couple of times, I think) that he deliberately set out to make a book with one point of view, instead of his previous multiple intersecting plotlines. I'd link you the blog, but I'd have to go find my searchable blog file (which needs updating, now that I think of it).
As for sticking to the present (or the recent past), I think WG may actually have given up, to some extent, on SF. He's always insisted he was talking about the present anyway, but some recent comments of his suggest that he might not think SF has much going for it as a way of doing that anymore. (I don't hold with that, personally, but he's certainly entitled to his opinions, given that he is the bestselling author, and I'm a guy posting on his message board.)
Thank you for the enlightenment. Have not read that blog. As for his saying that SF does not have much going for it, I do not hold with that either.
Originally posted by Socrates:Also, on a whole the novel seems to be sticking more closely to the real world in general. Thoughts?
Well, the way change is accelerating these days, it feels like we're living further and further in the future as every day comes along, and I think in this age, the near present provides such fertile ground for exploration of the future. I agree, WG has always looked at sci-fi with an eye towards the present.
Posts: 90 | Location: Tokyo | Registered: October 16, 2005
Do we know if the next book (which he's currently working on) is a sequel, or otherwise linked to PR. (Don't jump all over me if this has already been discussed on the Blog or the Board - I'm busy and tired, and the quickest way is for me to just ask.)
It had all those hints of things to come, unanswered questions .... things that could be the start of new science fiction ... maybe her mother's right, and ghosts really are in the tape-hiss: there's a SF book in that idea. And he's used "ghost" in SF before ......
'Doesn't matter - the boy writes like a supernova, and I can't wait for it whatever it turns out to be.
Sorry I've not been around for a while. I'm a travlen man ....
