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Before human invasion, Jem hosts three intelligent species: airborne 'gasbags' who sing to one another in flocks; land dwelling 'Krinpit', resembling crustaceans; and the ominous 'burrowers' beneath the soil.
The story is set in the not-too-distant future, told from the perspective of the USA, a large part of one of Earth's 3 main power blocks: 'Food', 'Oil', and 'People' exporters. The emnity between the 3 nations on Earth turns from paranoia into a nuclear war. This is paralleled by their race to colonize Jem, and is mirrored by the 3 intelligent forms of life on Jem. The novel interweaves these storylines.
The world of Jem is entirely believable. It is introduced as a peaceful planet, where the 3 species within have learned to keep themselves to themselves, thus being able to live together, despite hostile feelings towards one another. However, as soon as Earth's three nations land on Jem, they teach the native species both political and physical ways of harming other beings. Espionage is employed by the competing power blocks, using the natives as their spies. Weapons are given to some of the natives, which promotes killing and war.
The flaws of colonization are portrayed in a colourful and amusing way. The reader learns to know and pity the virtually defenceless native races, as well as hating most of the manipulative, militant, and greedy human invaders.
Pohl first published this thought provoking novel in 1979, as a warning against the futility of hostility, and as an ironic study of 'the making of a Utopia'. At times I couldn't turn a page without pausing to laugh my head off! The paranoia and hostility amongst the characters, it might be said, reflect Pohl's own natural paranoia about nuclear events, such as Pearl Harbour, and the Arms Race in general.
Even if you dislike Science Fiction as a rule, you would be well advised to read this prophetic, amusing, melancholy and compelling story, which in my opinion will remain timeless. Brilliant.
By Barnaby Byrne
I thought this book was brilliantly executed. The story is rich, full of great ideas and insane characters with their own priorities and agenda, and the point of view of the aliens is also well-described.
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