ISBN: 0-380-75110-0 Order from: Amazon.com
A tale of charming, very human characters, wit and episodic adventure, this tale is appealing but misses the drama of a central conflict.
Reviewed by David on August 21, 2005
Genre: Science Fiction (Robots, Post-apocalypse)
Synopsis: Belinda Smith is a student on New Hope, vague on future plans but happy with her classes, her roomate and her small well-lit room full of flowers. Her happy existence suddenly changes, as her guardian takes her out of school and into the derelict family mansion. Strange adventures ensue, including her encounter with the native humanoid tribes, an old robot, and a number of quirky phenomena.
Full Review: The tale starts like a victorian melodrama, and carries its elements through the entire adventure. Belinda Smith, the protagonist, appears an old-fashioned romantic heroine: a passive yet charming girl forced by her brusque, even sinister guardian into his remote, gloomy ancestral home. Yet instead of finding a romantic hero, she keeps collecting more complications. The author keeps twisting the stereotypes, but gently.
Belinda doesn't suddenly become a plucky heroine. Nor does she become a scientific genius or an expert in small-arms combat. She worries about her appearance and forms inappropriate attractions—all while dealing with maniacal policemen, native tribal customs, and constant strange adventures.
The humanity of the characters is fresh and engaging, and the author's skill of avoiding stereotypes while not denying them completely forms the basis for this book's attraction.
The book is enlivened with mentions of literature, philosophical and ethical questions, and gentle, ironic look at our culture from a far future. As with characters, the treatment is neither fully serious, not completely humorous; instead, the culture is treated with affection.
The book's weakness is the plot. The various adventures and the protagonist's reaction to them are interesting, but lack of an underlying conflict make for a meandering narration.
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 4.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 6;
Avon Books, October 1986
ISBN: 0-380-75110-0 Order from: Amazon.com