January 15, 2004
Authour Talk
This interview of Kim Stanley Robinson was touted as Mars-centric, but it turned out to be pretty much about KSR's far left political views. I've read his Mars series -- long ago -- but his newest series seems to be all about making his political point.
Posted by Ithildin at January 15, 2004 7:50 AM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE
Hmm, it's interesting; I never felt that way. As a Libertarian many of his anti-capitalist ideas apall me. But in the Mars books I never felt overwhelmed by it. I felt that his primary goal was to present a realistic, compelling vision of the future, and that he succeeded admirably at that goal. The politics seemed fairly incidental to me, with the science and the sociology as the central parts of what I read.
Posted by: Paul at January 23, 2004 1:18 AM
I recall reading one story and one novel of Robinson's, and wondering how on Earth -- or anywhere else -- a writer of fiction could allow himself to be so heavy-handed with his views. His relentless polemicizing completely drained the entertainment from the experience.
"If you want to send a message, call Western Union." -- Louis B. Mayer, I think.
Posted by: Francis W. Porretto at January 15, 2004 10:52 AM