ISBN: 0-312-87691-2 Order from: Amazon.com
Lack of major conflict, scientific handwaving and politically correct discourse weaken this otherwise entertaining and straightforward scientific romance.
Reviewed by David on December 05, 2004
Genre: Science Fiction (Parallel Worlds)
Synopsis: In the previous book Hominids, the physicist Ponter Boddit, experimenting with a massive quantum computer, was accidentally tranported to our world. In Ponter's universe, an Earth much like ours, Homo Neandathalis became the branch of humanity to achieve civilization. The arrival of technologically advanced Neanderthals caused excitement and consternation in Canada, the site of the gateway, and around the world.
In this sequel, Ponter and other scientists attempt to travel between the worlds—this time purposefully. As the contact widens, it causes both political and personal change. changed by it.
Full Review: In this book we find more about the world of Neanderthals, which while utopian in some respects, it has its own ills and conflicts. Ponter and other Neanderthals present a viewpoint to examine and criticize the modern western civilization, particularly on violence and environmental impact.
While scientific in nature, and exciting in many ways, several times the narrative became implausible in scientific or engineering aspects. More intrusively, there are several thinly disguised lectures, sometimes on anthoropology and geology; and other times on ethical matters. The conduct of the Neanderthal visitors sometimes seemed inconsistent.
Though likable and appealing the characters are a bit simplistic, but are suited well to the fast pace of the narrative. In all, this book allows a pleasant and fast read, as long as one skims past the occasionally awkward moments.
Copyright: 2003
Series Name: Neanderthal Parallax
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 5.5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 6;
Tom Doherty Associates (Tor), February 2003, Cloth, 384 pages
ISBN: 0-312-87691-2 Order from: Amazon.com