Eoghann Mill Irving reviewed At winter's end by Robert Silverberg
Review of "At winter's end" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
Originally published back in the 80s, At Winter's End, the first part in the New Spring time series of two books is getting a re-relase. And if you haven't read it you probably should now.
The book is classified as science fiction which will probably get those who worry about such things all tied in knots. It's certainly not hard SF and you could arguably call it fantasy since it does not worry about the science behind what is happening. Which is fine with me, because that's not what the book is about.
Silverberg uses his story which focuses on a tribe coming out of a 700 millennia long seclusion (as the result of meteors striking the planet and creating a long winter) and their attempt to both adapt to a new world establish a civilization as an opportunity to muse on what it actually means to be human.
The …
Originally published back in the 80s, At Winter's End, the first part in the New Spring time series of two books is getting a re-relase. And if you haven't read it you probably should now.
The book is classified as science fiction which will probably get those who worry about such things all tied in knots. It's certainly not hard SF and you could arguably call it fantasy since it does not worry about the science behind what is happening. Which is fine with me, because that's not what the book is about.
Silverberg uses his story which focuses on a tribe coming out of a 700 millennia long seclusion (as the result of meteors striking the planet and creating a long winter) and their attempt to both adapt to a new world establish a civilization as an opportunity to muse on what it actually means to be human.
The People as the tribe call themselves believe that they are human. This is what the chronicles tell them after all. Yet they do not look like humans and no one else they meet will acknowledge them as human. What are they then? The answer to that is what essentially concludes this story.
Of course while there are other things going on in the mean time. The tribe explores the new world and is faced with many challenges. The very social structure which they have become accustomed to is thrown in to chaos. They have moved from a world which requires that everything remain in stasis to a world which requires growth and change.
Over a period of years we watch these characters attempt to deal with the challenges they face. They are at turns selfish, brutal, clever and well meaning. The characters certainly feel human regardless of their race.
I found the story compelling and on at least one occasion found myself reading late into the night, reluctant to stop at any point, desperate to know more.
We only get to explore a tiny portion of this vast world, but the little bit we get both of geography and culture is fascinating. The new races do feel a little dated now and wouldn't pass for a sophisticated modern alien but they serve their purpose in the story effectively.
I can't quite call this a classic and I still consider Lord Valentine's Castle my favorite Silverberg book, but I'm giving this one a strong recommendation.
