Brin's first published novel, and a comic classic
|
This novel is very different, and much more light hearted, than the rest of David Brin's work. His later books have more going for them in terms of plot, character development, and dramatic tension. But this is one of the funniest science fiction books ever written.
To give you an idea of the humorous style: the chapter headings are mostly parodies of modern sayings rendered into latin, or latin phrases given a comic twist, such as "Sic Biscuit Disintegratum" (That's the way the cookie crumbles).
The story begins in the near future in our world, where a group of scientists have developed a machine called a "Zieviatron" which is an artificial gate to somewhere else. At first, they think it connects with parallel realities. Unfortunately the mechanism they have sent through to the other end, to send things back, has stopped working.
They need a volunteer to go through to the other side and try to fix the return mechanism. Dr Dennis Nuel is persuaded to accept the job. But what he finds on the other side is not what anyone expected ...
Really entertaining and strongly recommended.
|
|
|
Read it
|
|
A great book, pulling you in immediately. Buy it, and tell your friends to buy it, because it looks to be going out of print. Basically, about a physicist who is sent to an alternate reality, a very strange one... Just read it. Part of the fun is not knowing what's happening. You don't need to be a sci-fi hack to like this book, it has a universal appeal. Buy it for anyone who you have no idea what to get ;P
|
|
Very Entertaining Read
|
|
Having recently discovered David Brin, this being the first of his works that I have read, I can honestly say it persuaded me to read more of his works. Unlike some of the earlier reviews, I prefer this style of this book to the later Uplift novels. The work is amusing, lighthearted and gives an interesting touch to the more normal plots. David Brin clearly enjoyed writing this book and the less controlled examples of lab humour appeal to me and I'm not a physicist either! If you are looking for a modern 'heavyweight' novel then avoid this one. If you like your books engaging and amusing with the odd rough edge to add to the orignality, then this is a worthy addition to your library.
|
|
|
An exellent book well worth buying
|
|
Get it.
|
|
|
Good story, but a little weak in places
|
|
Dennis Nuel is a scientist who is looking for other realities. While he is brilliant, he isn't very politically minded, and he is taken off his project to find these other worlds. When he is given the chance to explore a new reality, on the condition that he fix the machine that takes him to it, he jumps at the opportunity. Once Dennis arrives, he begins to notice some very strange properties in the world around him. The Practice Effect, is a good read. It's entertaining, and presents some interesting ideas about space, and time. Brin's characters are a little under-developed, and the plot is weak in places.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada