- Hardcover: 285 pages
- Publisher: Tor Books (April 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0312854129
- ISBN-13: 978-0312854126
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 13.7 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,752,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
I read another review of this book which claimed that Bisson generates ideas at a frenetic pace, each of which could serve as the seed of a novel in its own right. While this is true, that's also one of the book's flaws. Some ideas do well with just a quick glimpse (like the virtual reality girlfriend who is copy protected and thus can't be remembered), but others just left me confused (the artificial-teenage-girl "gen"s, who ask only questions and are some sort of world-observing tools? How do they report their observations, and to who?). Some of the scenes were hysterical, though; my favorite was the Disney-Windows customer assistance office with three-day lines for the free clerk, the shorter lines that started billing you when you got in line, and the even shorter lines for the subcontractors to deal with D-W for you who took a substantial cut of the money you were due. Well, Bisson described it better than I do.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
8 reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
standard - but intelligent - post-apocalyptic sci-fi
26 July 2002
Format:Paperback
It seems every writer of science fiction has to publish at least one novel set in the not-too-distant future, in which the Earth has been largely destroyed by wars or environmental disasters, currently commonplace amenities such as electricity and personal freedom are rare, and the future is just as hopeless as the present. "Pirates of the Universe" is typical of that sub-genre. The main character begins in a position of status that insulates him from the difficulties of his world. His privileges are stripped from him without explanation, and he embarks on a journey to discover unexpected truths about his family, his society, and the universe.
There are positive aspects of this book that set it apart from most other works of its type. The plot is uncommonly complex, and there are a number of unusual, interesting details - it's clear that Bisson has devoted a lot of thought to the world he's created, and it makes for an engaging and stimulating read. But these strengths are marred by the book's essential weakness, which is - not surprisingly - its post-apocalyptic setting and tone. Bisson is often preoccupied by impressing upon his readers the unpleasantness of the book's universe, and this makes the book awkward and unpleasant to read at times.
Overall, "Pirates of the Universe" is an interesting and enjoyable book. The author has some good ideas, and he has the ability to write a plot that strings them together engagingly. However, readers who can't tolerate the preachiness that seems inherent to the genre will probably not want to subject themselves to the dose Bisson metes out.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Surprisingly good, unsettling, and allows the reader to...
12 May 2004
Format:Paperback
fill in some of the blanks.
I appreciate an author or director who allows the audience to make some sense of their world rather than spelling everything out in black and white. Bisson dips you into the world in a way that seems very natural, never heavy-handed. He's a writer who has some flair...in a subtle, sparse way. Odd combination, I know.
Hmm...hard book to describe...it's uncomfortable in spots, I can't say I'd want to live in this world, it's depressing...and yet I felt oddly bouyant. Its a rare near-future book that seems plausible, but this is one.
I'm not a huge P.K. Dick fan, but this remninded me of the things I like best about him.
Definitely worth a read.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Lots and lots of spinning ideas; not quite enough coherence
29 July 1998
Format:Paperback
I read another review of this book which claimed that Bisson generates ideas at a frenetic pace, each of which could serve as the seed of a novel in its own right. While this is true, that's also one of the book's flaws. Some ideas do well with just a quick glimpse (like the virtual reality girlfriend who is copy protected and thus can't be remembered), but others just left me confused (the artificial-teenage-girl "gen"s, who ask only questions and are some sort of world-observing tools? How do they report their observations, and to who?). Some of the scenes were hysterical, though; my favorite was the Disney-Windows customer assistance office with three-day lines for the free clerk, the shorter lines that started billing you when you got in line, and the even shorter lines for the subcontractors to deal with D-W for you who took a substantial cut of the money you were due. Well, Bisson described it better than I do.
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