Tag: science fiction
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Review: “After Water” radio stories put climate in a new light
WBEZ-FM’s anthology, After Water, explores climate change’s impact on society through speculative fiction, presenting engaging stories that intersect science and art, while addressing social issues and the future of water.
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Review: The Water Knife is bleak, but uncomfortably possible
Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Water Knife invites us to imagine a drought like no other, in which the lack of water brought on by climate change disrupts life from beginning to end. The western drought has forced everyone to know their rights. From San Diego to Seattle, talk shows, newspapers, and blogs overflow with debates over…
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Review: Ex Machina and the amoral machine
The movie Ex Machina owes much to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein as it grapples with the notion of machines understanding right and wrong. Spoilers ahead… The key moment of Ex Machina arrives when eccentric tech CEO Nathan Bateman tells Caleb Smith, his employee, why the young programmer was selected to deliver a sophisticated Turing test on…
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Review: Why aren’t ‘serious’ writers writing about climate change?
Adam Trexler argues that while climate change dominates discussions, fictional narratives are scarce. He critiques the literary world’s neglect of novels that convey climate challenges and emotions, advocating for compelling storytelling.
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Review: Clade shows love and hope are timeless in a changing climate
James Bradley’s “Clade” melds climate change with human relationships, illustrating personal struggles against a backdrop of environmental shifts, emphasizing the enduring nature of humanity amid slow, profound transformations.
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Why science fiction writers should reveal their inmost selves
The author critiques a mystery novel for its overly polite characters who avoid expressing true emotions. True fiction should explore desires and fears honestly, revealing deeper truths about human nature.
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Review: Nature’s Confession an impressive sci-fi epic for young adults
Nature’s Confession blends young adult romance and speculative fiction, exploring themes like love, family strife, and environmental degradation, with humor and satire reminiscent of classic literary works.
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Review: Has Game of Thrones reached its sell-by date?
The review critiques George R.R. Martin’s A Dance With Dragons, pointing out its excessive length, lack of discipline, and repetitive storytelling while acknowledging some strong characters and vivid scenes.
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Review: How “Interstellar” resembles “How the West Was Won”
Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, is an ambitious sci-fi film exploring themes of hope and survival amid ecological disaster. It struggles with Hollywood clichés but captivates with stunning visuals and emotional undertones.
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Is fiction about climate change for real?
Interstellar, releasing November 7, portrays a future devastated by climate change. Discussing the emerging genre “climate fiction,” the piece reflects on artists addressing environmental anxieties through storytelling.
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Utopia vs dystopia smackdown: Guess who wins.
Are dystopias depressing? The fact is, readers prefer dystopian novels, because they’re more interesting than utopian stories, most of the time.
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Review: Paolo Bacigalupi’s ‘The Windup Girl’ read as eco-fiction
Many science fiction writers overlook Earth’s environmental issues; Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl exemplifies eco-fiction addressing climate change and genetic manipulation.
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Review: Christopher Priest’s ‘The Adjacent’ is confusing, maybe unfinished
Cosmologists and fiction explore multiverses, paralleling realities, while Christopher Priest’s The Adjacent intertwines narratives but leaves many threads unresolved.
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Is climate fiction a genre, a theme, a motif, or what?
Dan Bloom, who coined “cli-fi,” explores climate fiction’s definition as a genre, theme, or motif, highlighting its focus on humanity’s environmental impact and potential for literary categorization.
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Review: Is this book the first climate fiction novel ever?
J.G. Ballard’s The Drowned World is cited as early climate fiction, while George Turner’s 1987 novel The Sea and Summer is recognized for addressing human-caused climate change and societal issues like income inequality.
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Review: Lydia Millet’s ‘Pills and Starships’ is parts sci-fi and cautionary tale
Lydia Millet’s “Pills and Starships” explores a dystopian future through teen Nat’s journey, reflecting on climate change and personal growth.
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Homer’s Odyssey As An LGBTQ+ Road Trip: Review
Francesa Lia Block’s novel reflects a teenage girl’s journey amidst global warming themes, echoing Homer’s Odyssey through modern adventures and challenges.
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Review: Kim Stanley Robinson gives the cold shoulder to Antarctica
The review discusses Kim Stanley Robinson’s novel Antarctica, focusing on its exploration of climate change, politics, and human dynamics. It critiques character development and emphasizes themes relevant to contemporary environmental issues.
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Review: Emmi Itäranta’s ‘Memory of Water’ sings in the key of blue
Memory of Water explores a dystopian future where fresh water is controlled by a tyrannical regime, highlighting Noria’s complex choices and resilience.
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Review: ‘Grumbles’ is a bit of humor at the greens’ expense
The novel “Grumbles: Take A Pill” humorously tackles serious environmental issues, blending satire with an engaging storyline about climate change.