The Infinitive of Go

ISBN: 0-345-28497-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com

Rather fuzzy science and thin plot make this speculative novel less then entirely satisfying.

Reviewed by David on August 31, 2002

Genre: Science Fiction (Multiple Worlds)

Synopsis: Dr. Justin Williams had discovered an amazing new method of transport. Using an advanced computerized device, an obscure scientific principle could be applied to move macroscopic objects through space.

As part of a classified project, multiple "posting" experiments have proved successful—first inanimate objects, graduating to transporting volunteers across short distances.

However, when a first long-distance experiment resulted in an apparently psychotic episode culminating in a suicide, Dr. Williams and his theories came under crushing doubt. Stung and afraid, the scientist volunteers to repeat the experiment. The "posting" appears to be successful at first. However, Justin begins to notice small but significant changes in people he knows. The question: is Justin's memory uneliable, or has the "posting" delivered him to another universe?

Full Review: This book, like many older science fiction novels, is mainly written around an idea. While some characters are mildly intriguing, the book mainly concentrates on the amazement of the proposition related to multiple universes. Alas, the proposition is not all that novel, and the book seems sadly dated. The narrative itself is sketchy and not particularly involving, and the use of scientific principles, from almost mystical computers, to imprecise and overused mention of transfinite numbers, detracts from rather than contributing to the premise's plausibility.

While the author has written a number of subtler novels, mostly concentrating on social pressure and politics, patriculraly Stand on Zanzibar, this is one of his weaker works.

Overall: 3.5; Plot: 3; Characters: 4; Style: 4.5; World-building: 4; Originality: 4.5;

ISBN: 0-345-28497-6 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com