Just Finished Reading: Stations of the Tide by Michael Swanwick (FP: 1991) [252pp]

Miranda was changing. The long anticipated return of the ocean waters was already visible. Coastal communities were packing up and moving to higher ground. The local lifeforms were already starting the process of changing from aerial or land based life into the purely aquatic. Everything was in flux. In the midst of the chaos on the surface an unnamed bureaucrat is sent to retrieve a stolen piece of technology that has been proscribed for use by any less advanced civilisation. A man only known as Gregorian has promised his followers that he will lead a revolt against the powers holding his world back. With his stolen tech he might just be able to do that – unless the bureaucrat can stop him in time. As the tide rises and the bureaucrat follows various clues as to Gregorian’s whereabouts his search is hampered by the very lack of technology he is searching for. Relying on his wits, his charm and his smart, and smart mouthed, briefcase he is in a race against time before the very ground under his feet disappears.

This took me a while to get into because the premise was so weird. The world of Miranda was truly alien – not just Earth with a few tweaks – but really, really strange. Likewise the colonists – the indigenous population had gone extinct fairly recently – having adapted to the strange rhythms of their new home were equally a bit odd. Added to this was the party atmosphere engendered by the coming floods including a fair smattering of recreational drug use which, naturally, messed with the main characters senses. The ‘MacGuffin’ of the stolen technology was mostly a plot device (OK, that’s somewhat of a spoiler but not a whole lot of one!) to motivate the main protagonist ahead through a changing world. Once I wrapped my head around what was going on it was an interesting ride full of unique experiences and fascinating characters. The ending was suitably dramatic and quite surprising – in a GOOD way – and definitely left me with a wondering smile on my face. All in all this was a very entertaining read and deserved its Award nominations. Definitely recommended. Much more SF to come!

Awards

Arthur C. Clarke Award Best Book (nominee)

Hugo Best Novel (nominee)

John W Campbell Memorial Award Best Novel (nominee)

Nebula Awards Best Novel (Winner)