Yes.  That is another very good example of what I was thinking of, Kokipy.

I finished Hopeland yesterday.  I'll need another day or so for my reactions to gell into some form of solidity, but I think I've been enamoured of this book since chapter 8 smacked me around the head and I started to realise at least part of what MacDonald was up to overall.  I think it's a book that needs to be read more widely than it probably will be.

 

Surtac wrote:

Yes.  I too can see tones and shades of KSR in there, particularly in the second half.
Which brings us back neatly to consideration of the Johnson quote above and I wonder:  if those of us who have read Hopeland (or any other specific title) were to list all of the books and authors it reminded them of, what overlap or commonality would there be across those lists?
It is a question I have pondered about a number of times here over the years. Some books just seem to be more prone to discussion than others - Cyteen, Dhalgren amongst others. Is it just the book, or is it also a function of how we as individual readers have come to that book via our own unique individual paths?

 

Looking forward to reading Hopeland - I have ordered it.
When I think about the three books in question - and we could add others to the list - I tend to think that these books themselves are especially well done, especially evocative. Most books don’t rise to that level of execution and interest. We could probably find other books that explore similar topics that lack that joyful genius that gives rise to both pleasure and endless discussion. Of course, you can’t separate it completely from who likes them and why, and there’s always personal taste. But some books, like Cyteen, are simply masterpieces. You can come back to them many times, and there always seems to be more to say.
 

Excellent.. Please let us know when you're done with it, Star, whatever your reaction or response ends up being. 


 

Kokipy wrote:

Star, in answer to your question above, I was referring to Mike Duncan.  I’ve just finished listening to the French Revolution portion of his Revolutions podcast.   I don’t know PaulCooper - should I? 

I have enjoyed Duncan a lot. Cooper has his “Fall of Civilizations” podcast, and it covers somewhat different territory. I’d hate to compare. If you missed Duncan’s original History of Rome, it’s excellent, encyclopedic, and has bite-sized episodes

Kokipy wrote:

My brother says the Haitian Revolution part of Duncan’s podcast is the most fascinating fwiw

well you must know about Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast, he’s the master storyteller - I love his stuff. He also has one that focuses on early Haiti and the Haitian revolution - eye opening and horrific