Lead Review (Ice)

The novel is nearly 1,200 pages long and yes, it is a tome, with a typeface rather on the small side, and pages that are only a couple of notches up from tissue paper. It is, though, a beautifully produced book. I spent the weekend dipping in and out because I am not very fond of long books (this may be the longest I have ever tackled), nor of science fiction. But, you know, one needs a challenge every now and then.

The cold vibe that comes off the novel is incredible and all credit to the author and translator for bringing an utter chill factor into this book, both through the setting and through the story. This supremely chilly environment has been precipitated by the arrival of Tunguska asteroid in 1908. Angel-like creatures revel in permanent frost, and people have to flee to find succour, developing new ways of surviving.

“A Trans-Siberian odyssey through political, criminal, scientific, philosophical and amorous intrigues, and into an endless winter to confront something utterly alien”. There you have the nub of it.

Benedykt Gieroslawski is persuaded to travel on the Trans-Siberian Express, to track down his father, who, it is believed, can communicate with the new dominant forces. There is a lot of political discourse in the novel, intrigue and musings on the nature of logic and philosophy and clearly the author is a gifted storyteller.

An incredible story that certainly requires application and time to read. And what a feat to translate this book, all credit to the translator.