Review: Beautifully crafted and thought-provoking - Science fiction and fantasy at its best.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 11, 2012
When I first started reading Gloria Piper's Train to Nowhere, my initial reaction wasn't kind. The first chapter immerses readers in the world of Orphans, a hedonistic culture imprisoned in a train on an endless loop for their parents' crimes (think Chinese population control laws). To make it more confusing, the Orphans' language incorporates tons of computer-related words that can be initially baffling (e.g., "deleted" means "killed," "surfing" (the web) means "travelling," etc.) So I will start with the bad: Chapter 1 tosses readers into a society so foreign, culture shock results.Now the good: everything else about Train to Nowhere, from Chapter 2 to the very last word, is absolutely fantastic! Culture shock quickly dissipates, and readers find themselves transported to a full, lively, and understandable world. Chapter 2 introduces the reader to Hedge, and it becomes immediately clear that Hedge, driven by his ambition, is not above stepping on others to get where he feels he deserves to be. But what makes him more dangerous is that he has real talent . . . and cunning as sharp as a tack.Hedge is part of the Landeds' society, a more "civilized" community I imagined to be similar to an Amish community, but with some technology. Although, the Landeds are free to roam about, their actions are subject to another kind of prison - the suffocating prudeness of societal norms. The Landeds are identifiable, perhaps a version of America that has been or is to come.The last of the three societies within Piper's world, kept separate except for prohibited trading, is comprised of the Nomads. They bear a strong resemblance to certain Native American cultures. Admin, who are similar to A.I. but symbolize much more, indirectly oversee Landeds and directly control Orphans. Nomads operate outside their boundaries.The story follows Garland, an Orphan who yearns to experience life beyond the confines of the Orphan train. On the train, Admin provides all. There is no sickness or crime; even emotions are subliminally controlled. The train is like an all-inclusive prison, and it even serves as a vacation spot for Landeds. Although on the Orphan train Garland would never have need of anything, he is still a prisoner, and he senses he does not belong. But the grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence.Garland's struggles, both internal and external, are equally identifiable. Self-doubt, fear, hope, despair, justice and love prevent him from overcoming some obstacles, while these same concepts propel him past others. He is a strong protagonist, one worth routing for, but he is not impeccable. As devious as Hedge can be, his flaw is almost tragic. The strange and varied characters are fully relatable, a tribute to Piper's ability. One can understand why each character takes the risks they take and makes the sacrifices they make.Train to Nowhere is unique science fiction with elements of fantasy and folklore. If I had to compare it to other works, I'd say a dash of 1984, a pinch of A Brave New World, a hint of The Island, a smidgeon of Fahrenheit 451, a dab of Final Fantasy and a fair dose of LSD (not that I would know). But the combination is something wholly original, a novel that spurns emotion and embraces romanticism in the classical sense. If Orwell and Huxley are required reading for English-language literature courses, Piper's book is surely good enough to find itself alongside them on the syllabi. 5 out of 5 stars.