I like both, depending on the aims of the narrative. Currently reading an orientalist 19th century fantasy, The Shaving of Shagpat, and it is an irreal analogue of a Persian court. Also been reading John Crowley's Aegypt novels, and they move back and forth between "this world" and a more magical one; it's the histories that change, not really the locales. It is one of the most beautifully written stories that I have read. I'll probably write a feature on it in the next few days, once I finish my reading of the final three volumes.
Sounds good. I'm definitely interested in those.
They are quite good.
Have you any examples where Real World is done particularly well or particularly badly?
Crowley's series is one. Same for Steve Erickson's Arc d'X and Zeroville. Pynchon does this great as well. Nothing really comes to mind about anything horribly done, probably because I shut those things from my memory whenever possible.
Different Erickson from the Malazan chap?
Very different. This one has been writing since the 1980s and his works are surreal, yet set in identifiable times/locales.
Very sensible re the latter point.
Selective forgetfulness is an evolutionary trait
Is this style more spec-fic than fantasy, or is there a lot of room for crossover?
I don't worry about setting up categories, but rather about demolishing artificial ones
Well played.
What else would be expected from me on the issue?
Illusions fall like the husk of a fruit, one after another, and the fruit is experience. - Narrator, Sylvie
Je suis méchant.
Je suis méchant.
The Real World in fantasy and sci-fi
- 10/09/2010 04:47:05 PM
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I prefer when referenences to the real world are kept very subtle...
- 10/09/2010 05:07:55 PM
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Replay is a great novel
- 10/09/2010 05:28:37 PM
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I'm exactly halfway through.
- 10/09/2010 05:33:24 PM
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You're about to get to the good parts, if I recall
- 10/09/2010 05:45:35 PM
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I don't like it.
- 10/09/2010 08:13:38 PM
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