/lit/ - Literature

>>18635417
Seven Surrenders, Terra Ignota #2 - Ada Palmer (2017)

After having read this I can affirm with all due certainty that the first book is only half of this particular narrative. Anyone who doesn't intend to read the second book probably shouldn't read the first. Whatever you thought of the first book, you'll most likely think the same of this one, though having become more accustomed to its style removed some of the rough edges for me.
As with the first book this is one of the more uneven novels I've ever read with regards to personal enjoyment. For every excitement there was a balancing disappointment. There were hilarious scenes that thoroughly amused me and overly melodramatic scenes that exasperated. In theory this could've been a top series for me, but as it is, it's relegated to being a intriguing emotional experience.
One of the more unclear aspects of these books is whether any of the characters are intended to be cheered on by the reader or if this is meant to be read as a neutral and detached history, in so far as any work of history can be anyway. My reading was more towards the latter, which limits emotional involvement and may severely limit enjoyment for many. This detachment may have been for the better for me, as I don't support the goals of any of the characters.
I want to read about more characters like this in fiction, as I certainly haven't read many of them, outside of a certain context. Major character spoiler: They lifted my penis gingerly and reached past to feel the vaginal folds behind. The specific details of this aren't provided, though that's fine. I appreciated their inclusion all the same.
Possibly as the result of the controversies regarding the first book Palmer is more explicit with her beliefs, as indicated by reader responses, which may be for the better or worse depending on the preferences of the reader. This results in statements such as "The more people insist that feminism has won, the more they blind themselves to its remaining foes." Gender concerns are very much important to her and that shows itself quite clearly in the text. She's very much opposed its elimination as indicated by her responses to readers and statements such as "Suddenly neutered dress and speech were mandatory to proclaim one's allegiance to the 'good guys'" and "So the Great 'They' Silence fell". In this way, it's similar to "I don't see race", though for gender.
There was a scene that would've assured it four stars if it had ended differently, but considering how it went, it became a cause for concern instead. Despite these concerns, I'll be reading the two remaining books. With time, I may appreciate this peculiar concoction more.

Rating: 3/5