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Swiftly (2004)

by Adam Roberts(Favorite Author)

3.13 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0575082321 (ISBN13: 9780575082328)

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

Gollancz

review 1: Adam Roberts is one of my favourite Science Fiction writers and this tribute to one of the first classics of the genre only increases this enthusiasm. Swiftly explores the themes of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, a story well known and loved by many. Here we see the tiny Lilliputians and the gigantic Brobdingnagians joining forces with the French army to invade and conquer Great Britain. A clever premise that in itself is enough to garner interest, but as with many of Roberts’ novels, there is much more here than meets the eye. Themes of unrequited love, theology, fetishism, loss and mental health issues are thrown into what becomes a heady thought provoking mix, despite the fantastical set up. This is what makes Roberts such a clever writer. It verges on t... morehe brilliant, that he can take a classic Science Fiction premise and compel the reader to stop and think, to ask their own questions of the subjects touched upon. One defining feature is the unpleasant nature of the characters, in fact nearly every character here is obnoxious, only the Brobdingnagians seem to have any redeeming features. Supporting characters like the oppressed Lilliputians and Bates’ new found friend, The Dean of York are equally as despicable as the two main protagonists The male protagonist Abraham Bates, is a deeply flawed individual, troubled by his depression and disillusionment with the world, he becomes a reluctant spectator to the apparent destruction of the human race and the Earth itself. He is consumed with jealousy throughout and struggles to come to terms with some rather unpleasant sexual urges and fetishes. He thinks of himself as devoid of all morality and a sinner against God, despite his faith being the one thing that does not falter throughout the trials and tribulations he faces. His problems only deepen when he falls hopelessly in love with a women who can never truly love him in return. Eleanor Burton, the female protagonist, and the subject of Abraham Bates’ unrequited love, is a very cold and spiteful women, with no concept of love whatsoever. Her story begins with her marriage to a much older man whom she secretly despises, which actually makes you sympathise with her, but as the novel continues, she starts to show that she is perhaps as equally flawed as Abraham. Her subsequent action are often deplorable and morally wrong. As I got further and further into reading Swiftly, it became increasingly apparent that this book displays Adam Roberts’ obvious affection for the past masters and classic tales of his chosen genre. Indeed Jonathan Swift’s seminal work is not the only influence you begin to notice. H. G. Wells’ War of the Worlds and Voltaire’s Micromégas are subtle influences as well. The afterword confirms this, as Roberts talks about his influences. Here is a writer with a true love of the genre, he is also an exceptional talent and this book only serves to reinforce that assertion.
review 2: As I reflect on my lack of enjoyment of this novel, I find myself thinking that I really should have learned that Adam Roberts didn't deliver before I recently read 'By Light Alone'. Both books share the same elements: very interesting concepts, great hype, extremely poor execution particularly in the final section. I won't be reading another Roberts book, which saddens me given that his books get such incredible reviews and ratings in SciFi magazines like SFX. Like all of Roberts' paperbacks, the covers are beautiful & look great on a bookshelf... what a great shame that the content is so conversely unattractive. less

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