dwhatson reviewed Summerland by Hannu Rajaniemi
I'm Not a Fan of Espionage Novel, But I loved This.
I will admit that I'm generally not one to read espionage novels. I chose this book because I am a fan of both science fiction and the author's other works. This is an alternate history where elements of Valvepunk are the basis for a spy story set just after the first world war. Just to keep the reader on their toes, Rajaniemi has created a world where the afterlife is real and the departed are in regular contact, via various devices and methods, with the living. Furthermore, the British empire extends into the afterlife; enter Summerland. The Soviets also have a firm presence in the afterlife and British agent Rachel White believes she has a lead on a Soviet mole. I found this novel entertaining, mostly original and interesting enough to get me to the last page. My main criticism is that there were occasions when I thought the characters, …
I will admit that I'm generally not one to read espionage novels. I chose this book because I am a fan of both science fiction and the author's other works. This is an alternate history where elements of Valvepunk are the basis for a spy story set just after the first world war. Just to keep the reader on their toes, Rajaniemi has created a world where the afterlife is real and the departed are in regular contact, via various devices and methods, with the living. Furthermore, the British empire extends into the afterlife; enter Summerland. The Soviets also have a firm presence in the afterlife and British agent Rachel White believes she has a lead on a Soviet mole. I found this novel entertaining, mostly original and interesting enough to get me to the last page. My main criticism is that there were occasions when I thought the characters, their reactions to events and to each other were slightly stereotypical of a 1920's London and, oh so very British. That being said and having read other works by this author, I would consider this the most accessible of his works and a fun read.