In “Vigil,” a dying oil tycoon is visited by a ghost.
Libre/Getty Images
Stay Up All Night
George Saunders, Bloomsbury
While I’m generally not a fan of novellas or short stories due to their brevity, compelling authors like George Saunders keep me turning the pages. This week, I present two thought-provoking reads, starting with Stay Up All Night.
In Stay Up All Night, prize-winning author George Saunders, known for his hit Lincoln in the Bardo, introduces us to Jill “Doll” Blaine, a ghost who returns to Earth to observe the last hours of K.J. Boone, a wealthy oil tycoon.
Jill’s mission is to provide comfort to restless souls, but she discovers that Boone, despite his life full of deception and environmental damage, is content with his choices.
Set in the final hours of Boone’s life, the narrative unfolds with the arrival of other ghosts and family members seeking closure. Jill, frustrated by Boone’s indifference, navigates her own past, returning repeatedly to his bedside.
True to Saunders’ style, the prose is vibrant and enchanting. He deftly avoids the mundane, making even the darkest themes shine.
“
When intriguing authors continue to craft engaging novellas, I feel compelled to explore them.
“
However, I found myself yearning for deeper insights into Boone’s psyche and hoped for a narrative reckoning that never fully materialized. Jill, with her rich backstory, was by far the most captivating character, and I wished for more exploration of her journey.
Nonetheless, Saunders’ brilliance and the pressing themes explored in Stay Up All Night make it a compelling read—one worth delving into at least twice.
Rainseekers
Matthew Cressel, Tor Publishing
Next up is Rainseekers by Matthew Cressel. This narrative blends a series of interconnected short stories, featuring protagonist Sakunja Salazar, an influencer-turned-journalist on Mars amidst the transformative terraforming of the planet.
With newly formed water bodies and breathable air, Sakunja embarks on a thrilling journey into the Martian wilderness to witness the first rainfall. This quest is both poetic and thought-provoking.
As Sakunja interviews fellow “rainseekers,” their unique stories weave into a rich tapestry that enhances the overarching narrative.
Kressel excels in crafting poignant, concise narratives, lending weight to this visionary future of the solar system.
While Sakunja lacked the depth to truly engage me, the human elements and the fun exploration of terraforming resonate strongly, reminiscent of classics like Kim Stanley Robinson’s Red Mars trilogy.
I also recommend:
Juice
Tim Winton, Pan Macmillan
If you’re intrigued by the intersection of oil barons and climate change, this evocative novel is for you. Set in a distant future, it explores consequences for those who have wronged the planet—an excellent choice for this month’s New Scientist Book Club.
Emily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerian series (including Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninshbar, all published by Titan) and is currently penning her first science fiction novel. A former editor at New Scientist, she can be followed on Instagram @emilyhwilson1.
Topics:
Source: www.newscientist.com
