srt@ucla-cs.UUCP (01/14/85)
IN THE DRIFT, Michael Swanwick, Ace Science Fiction, ISBN 0-441-35869-1
This is the latest in the New Ace Science Fiction Specials, and I'm happy
to report that Terry Carr has yet to disappoint (although I skipped
PALIMPSETS).
This novel is set in a future after a serious melt-down at Three Mile
Island. The resulting area of radioactive exposure is called the Drift,
and most of the story concerns the politics and society of the Drift.
The first half of the book follows Keith Piotrowicz as he rises to political
prominence in a group called the Mummers (parade groups that evolved into
a feudal style power structure). The second half of the book follows
Samantha Laing and her daughter Victoria Laing. They both suffer from
short bowel syndrome, an esoteric way of saying that they can only digest
blood and egg whites. In short, they are vampires. In addition to this,
they possess a mutation that allows them to see radiation as visible light,
and perhaps some additional psychic powers. The end of the book is a clash
between the political structures Keith and Victoria have built.
A very concise, well-written book. There is a wealth of imagination here,
but so well worked out that it does not interfere with the story. The story
itself moves along quickly and never bores. In short, this book is without
a major flaw.
My one objection is the lack of political involvement by foreign powers in
the post-Meltdown USA, which Swanwick portrays as fragmented and regressing.
A quibble perhaps, but annoying nonetheless. No one should take the
attitude that the US is an island apart from the world (whoops, preaching a
bit...).
Scott R. Turner
UCLA Computer Science Department
3531 Boelter Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90024
ARPA: srt@UCLA-LOCUS.ARPA
UUCP: ...!{cepu,ihnp4,trwspp,ucbvax}!ucla-cs!srt