Finished: June 11, 2023
Why I read this
One of the problems I have with science fiction is that the writers don’t like to leave loose ends or ambiguous endings like those I’ve seen lately in classic literature. Because of this, it is absolutely necessary that I read these entire series and learn everything there is to know about these wonderfully created universes. I cannot just leave characters or plots left unknown or to not discover the next steps for the worlds built by these authors. Now that I am in the Enderverse I’ve got a lot of reading to do…. (One additionally great thing is that unlike many great world building authors, Orson Scott Card has written all of his works himself, so no controversy such as in Dune where the son finished the work of his dad.)
What I learned
I find that in these science fiction series there is a constant need to develop more and more technological advancements, and with it, the problems of the characters go beyond many of problems of “can we do it”, and shifts quickly to “should we do it”. Once you no longer discuss just if we can I find the books regularly devolve into much more philosophical discussion. Xenocide’s themes of what is right and wrong are present throughout the book in all of the subplots. Is it right to kill a sentient species if there is no way it will not kill you? Is it right to worship a god who forces you into a subservient lifestyle? Is it right to allow a species freedom that could easily cause the utter destruction of your own?
What I didn’t like
If there was one portion of this novel that I didn’t love it was that some of the characters to be appeared absurdly obtuse. With enormous questions of life and death of whole species and planets I thought that the responses that several characters had to major decisions that I viewed as clearly against them to be a bit unrealistic. Quara, Grego, Han Qing-Jao, all took stances that were absolutely rigid and contrary to the majority of other characters. In the face of such enormous and impactful problems I just couldn’t get behind these extreme view points. But the questions is, are the characters reasonably written? Do people really act like that? And finally, am I just not empathetic enough to understand the viewpoint of these characters and their passions?
Questions I asked
What is really right and what is really wrong? What is the measuring stick that we compare it to, and how can we agree if we aren’t using the same measuring stick?
Can two groups that are fundamentally different live in harmony forever?
If an outspoken minority is extremely empathetic to a majority will it slow the pursuit of their cause?
My Favorite Quote
“Every day all people judge all other people. The question is whether we judge wisely”
Han Fei-Tzu
“You can’t possible guess what chance word of yours will trigger the idea we’re looking for”
Jane
Books I liked like this one
God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert (For the questions of what to do with almost god-like power)
The Institute by Stephen King (For the ethics of sacrificing the few for the many)
Book Reviews for Mom 