“You know people who can travel across the universe in the blink of an eye and all you want from them is to feed your cats.” [loc. 1752]
The conclusion to the Nowhere trilogy (which began with Edge of Nowhere and continued with Out of Nowhere), this novel focuses on the scientist who caused the rift into the Nowhere: Dr Solomon Lange. He came back out of the breach greatly changed, having acquired an ability to move things with his mind and a conviction that the Nowhere provided an escape from 'the misery of embodiment'. Lange doesn't like anyone else on QSF17, except for (a) his cats and (b) possibly engineer Jake McCreery. He can hear and see the breach, which nobody else can, and he's probably the only person who can close it: but he needs a break, some time to recover from his ordeal in the Nowhere. Lange and McCreery take a trip back to Earth, to a Canadian an Alaskan shack in the wilderness: the landing pod is damaged, and he and McCreery (plus Lange's three cats) are stranded. They come to know and understand one another rather better than before.
It was initially hard to warm to either of the leads. Lange is the epitome of arrogant, asocial scientist: McCreery is preternaturally imperturbable, easy-going, and kind. In fact, the two have quite a lot in common, including a reluctance to form romantic relationships. Their time in Alaska brings them closer together, but it can't last forever. The breach is still threatening the fabric of the universe, and QSF17 -- a hollowed-out asteroid in lunar orbit -- may also be harbouring an alien intruder. Turns out it's a lot easier to save the universe if you're not working alone.
I found Lange's background, and his scientific approach to his lack of meaningful relationships, rather moving, and I liked the unexpected connection between Lange and Kit. The Lange/McCreery relationship was satisfying (as was Lange's obvious affection for his cats): however, I didn't feel that the SFnal elements of the broader plot were explored as fully as I'd have liked. A very enjoyable read, though.
No comments:
Post a Comment