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| BrilliantStunning, insightful, touching.... this is a great read. You get "trapped" by the dialogue - which is - to paraphrase "genius". Allegory, yes - I don't get the "slavery element" others find in it - far too superficial -- it seems to me more about relationships - and living. Buy it!
Engaging readY'know, I dithered about whether this book was a four-star or a five-star. The style of writing is a bit lacking and flavourless, and there is a hint of tweeness.
But the key thing for me is the masterful way - no other way to describe it - the author describes Charley's participation in his own subjection; how he internalises the values imposed on him by the Hoot masters and sees value in being a 'good slave' when the Hoots themselves generally - but not always, as in the case of his rider - see those values in cynical terms as a method of control. The way Charley then manages to reconcile his slave morality with the values of true freedom is dealt with marvellously.
For this alone, brilliant. But also a fascinating sf concept (rare in sf these days, and well-enough executed. A very engaging read.
Good book, but not top notch.This book, really a novella, has an interesting story and premise. I won't get into these details as others already have. The two main characters have been developed fairly fully, but other primary characters, less so. There are other inconsistencies in the creation of this world and scenario which just leaves a science fiction reader scratching his head. Granted this is fiction, and a science fiction reader should be used to improbable scenarios, the fantastic, and the like, that's what ultimately makes it science fiction. Each world, however, should be internally consistent and sensical and this story does sometimes leave one a little perplexed. I paid twice the price than the going rate, which I think is more appropriate for the size of this story.
What a strange and fascinating book!I really enjoyed this sci-fi story of humanity turned into little more than horses for aliens. This new Earth was detailed and fascinating. I really enjoyed reading this book. It certainly was a unique premise and unlike anything I have ever read before!
Must ReadYou have to read this book. Although Emshwiller is really just a poor writer (at age 64, I've read an average of 80 books per year, and at last, with cancer in my bones, I feel I'm qualified to judge), the idea behind this book is more than enough to overcome her lack of ability. All I want as an old SF reader is a new idea ... for once, here's one ... though, as I said, poorly written. Despite comments from other readers, the close reader will find that the Hoots are merely human and indistinguishable from ourselves. The ideas in this book, really, truly, are a metaphor for the last 40 years I spent working in public accounting. Tragic, I know ... but a good book makes you think ... and yes, at my age, I understand that a good book can still be poorly written. Please read it ... George Orwell was, in all actuality, a VERY boring writer (go read Burmese Days if you don't believe me), but had an impact on all the world. This book may do the same. Am I damning with faint praise? I hope not ... this book should be required reading.
Product DescriptionCharley is an athlete. He wants to grow up to be the fastest runner in the world, like his father. He wants to be painted crossing the finishing line, in his racing silks, with a medal around his neck. Charley lives in a stable. He isn't a runner, he's a mount. He belongs to a Hoot: The Hoots are alien invaders. Charley hasn't seen his mother for years, and his father is hiding out in the mountains somewhere, with the other Free Humans. The Hoots own the world, but the humans want it back. Charley knows how to be a good mount, but now he's going to have to learn how to be a human being.
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