So I just finished reading Mieville’s first novel for kids/young adults, his latest work. It’s kind of like Alice in Wonderland, or The Phantom Tollbooth, or Neverwhere, or Zodiac. And I’m not really sure what to make of it. Has anyone else read it?
Daniel
It’s in my queue. I just finished reading Perdido Street Station yesterday. I’m quite taken by his writing style and the steampunkishness of his the worlds he creates.
It’s not out here yet, dagnabit. Plus I still have to track down the short fiction collection and read that.
Still, I have to ask…
So, was there a strong Borribles influence?
I’d never heard of the borribles before. From what I’m reading here, the answer is no.
I’ve not read his short fiction collection; that might be my next purchase. I think I’m warming up to this book after the fact some, thinking more about the aspects of it I really enjoyed. I may have had too high expectations, given that Perdido Street Station is one of the three best fantasy books I’ve read in the past decade (the other two being The Golden Compass and Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell).
Daniel
Curiously (or , at least, contrary to my friends) I rate The Scar higher than PSS. Only by a teensy fraction, but there it is. Just like Iron Council is a teensy fraction lower.They are easily three of my top ten reads in the last decade. Amber Spyglass is another, and the Borribles trilogy is in there too (as one book).
I was curious because Mieville cites the trilogy as a big influence, and it is set in a wainscotish London.
Well, that clinches it–I need to track down these Borribles types.
Daniel
Definitely. It is of its time ('76 - very punk) but really good. Plus the first book has the greatest riff off the Wombles, if that means anything to you.
Oh, and you didn’t say anything, so I guess you know what it means, , but I forgot to explain what I meant by the Borrible’s London being wainscotish, just for the peanut gallery.
Ooh, cool! I’m afraid I’d just skipped over that word before, a terrible habit I know. But it’s a great word; thanks for introducing me to it!
I just picked up Looking for Jake at the library today, and I just finished reading the short story “Familiar.” I’d forgotten what a sick fucker Mieville can be; Un Lun Dun lulled me into complacency.
Daniel