Review: Lots of Action:-) Lots of Philosophy:-(
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 11, 2013
When I start to read another one of those "Alien Spaceship Approaching" stories where the author speculates on how earthlings will react (as a rule, badly, with panic and aggression), I'm always wondering, "Does this author have anything original enough to make the story interesting?"Well, as the old car ad said, "You got it, Peter."These stories usually start with an Air Force ace pilot or great scientist, move to the White House and the Pentagon, on to the UN, etc. etc. This story starts in the jungle of Malawi, and the main character is Elizabeth Bower, a doctor with Medicins Sans Frontieres. In fact, the majority of the story takes place in Malawi, with the doctor and her American Ranger escort trying to reach a safe pickup point when the US pulls its peacekeepers home and the rebels start to take over. Interspersed throughout this narrative are sketchy radio reports of the reactions of the rest of the world as the alien ship approaches.This juxtaposition of several points of view: the pacifist doctor, the brutally practical soldiers, and the patchy, static-filled radio reports, gives the author the opportunity to discuss some very pertinent ideas - at too great a length, in my opinion - showing a unique perspective on the difficulties of true empathy with a member of another species.Bower is an analytical person, a technique that allows her to distance herself from the tensions of her situation, but that also removes her from the human contact she needs. This human interaction is forced upon her, in the middle of some of the best firefight descriptions I have ever read. The accurate detailing of the action, the soldiers' calm professionalism, and the doctor's contrasting fear provide a graphic and emotional experience for the reader.As the story progresses Bower gets to know the soldiers better, as does the reader, and our respect for them grows. So when it comes time to deal with the alien threat, their responses are believable and our reactions are powerful. This is a highly readable adventure story, with great action, thoughtful ideas, and excellent description of the heat, the jungle, and the streams of refugees. When the action moves from the primitive jungle into the science fiction realm of the aliens, a great deal of imagination has gone into the philosophy and physical reality of the alien race.Besides a bit less lecture, the only other item on my wish list for this story is that there should be at least an iota of sexual tension between the two main characters. She is a black doctor from England. He is a good ole boy from Mississippi, who covers the stress of combat with an Elvis imitation comedy routine. Unfortunately, her accurate in-depth analysis of his character is completely clinical, revealing no personal spark at all. While this is in keeping with her temperament, we would really like to see some development in their relationship. Especially considering the possibility - always lurking around the corner in this kind of story - that the two of them will be swept up into the Mothership for a lo-o-o-ng ride.This novel is a great read. Be prepared to skim through the philosophy, or, for that matter, slow down, leave the plotline, and take the time to give the man's ideas some thought. They are worth it.I was given a free electronic copy of this book in order to write this review.