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Clockwork Fagin
Imagine an alternate universe where tinkerers and dreamers craft and re-craft a world of automatons, clockworks, calculating machines, and other marvels that never were. Where scientists and schoolgirls, fair folk and Romans, intergalactic bandits, utopian revolutionaries, and intrepid orphans solve crimes, escape from monstrous predicaments, consult oracles, and hover over volcanoes in steam-powered airships. In Steampunk!, fourteen masters of speculative fiction, including two graphic storytellers, embrace the genre's established themes and refashion them in surprising ways and settings as diverse as Appalachia, Ancient Rome, future Australia, and alternate California. Get a preview of the anthology by sampling one of these inventive tales for free-Cory Doctorow's "Clockwork Fagin," in which orphans use the puppet of a dead man to take control of their lives.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
135 people are currently reading
856 people want to read
About the author
Cory Doctorow
268 books6,223 followersCory Doctorow is a science fiction author, activist, journalist and blogger — the co-editor of Boing Boing and the author of the YA graphic novel In Real Life, the nonfiction business book Information Doesn’t Want To Be Free, and young adult novels like Homeland, Pirate Cinema, and
Little Brother
and novels for adults like
Rapture Of The Nerds
and Makers. He is a Fellow for the Electronic Frontier Foundation and co-founded the UK Open Rights Group. Born in Toronto, Canada, he now lives in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 9, 2021
Feeling a bit burnt out from academic and other 'heavier' reading, I was looking for some light distractions. My "most disturbing story list" that I've been trying to complete, is also not quite what I would call restful or delightful.
Well, luckily, being an eternal fan of anything Steampunk, I stumbled upon this story, and it was indeed a delightful distraction.
In typical postmodern fashion, it jumbles up styles and genres, all the while keeping it fun without the narration becoming coarse or callous.
Set in an anachronous Canada, (possibly some alternate reality?), it features a shelter for maimed children, which gives it a Dickensian feel. Steampunk is mixed with cyberpunk, shaken up with a hint of Victorian Social Activism and a dash of coming-of-age story, told in a charming and inimitable style - all to intriguing and comic effect.
The story has a heart-warming ending which was surprisingly wholesome given the subject-matter. I just felt that the ending came too soon!
Despite the human aspect of the storyline ending rather abruptly with a bit of an anti-climax for me, the ingenious world-building, the melding of man, machine, and computing devices into a hilarious and rather stinky "Steam-cyborg-robot" story, gave me just the rest and rejuvenation I needed to put a spring (metaphorically speaking) back into my step. I would have liked the story to have been longer and more fleshed out, but oh well, at least it didn't limp or drag. (And I mention "fleshed-out", "limp", and "drag" in a metaphorical sense here. 😏)
The story is part of an interesting - looking Steampunk story collection that I bought a few years ago. Based on this story I'll definitely soon explore the collection further.
Well, luckily, being an eternal fan of anything Steampunk, I stumbled upon this story, and it was indeed a delightful distraction.
In typical postmodern fashion, it jumbles up styles and genres, all the while keeping it fun without the narration becoming coarse or callous.
Set in an anachronous Canada, (possibly some alternate reality?), it features a shelter for maimed children, which gives it a Dickensian feel. Steampunk is mixed with cyberpunk, shaken up with a hint of Victorian Social Activism and a dash of coming-of-age story, told in a charming and inimitable style - all to intriguing and comic effect.
The story has a heart-warming ending which was surprisingly wholesome given the subject-matter. I just felt that the ending came too soon!
Despite the human aspect of the storyline ending rather abruptly with a bit of an anti-climax for me, the ingenious world-building, the melding of man, machine, and computing devices into a hilarious and rather stinky "Steam-cyborg-robot" story, gave me just the rest and rejuvenation I needed to put a spring (metaphorically speaking) back into my step. I would have liked the story to have been longer and more fleshed out, but oh well, at least it didn't limp or drag. (And I mention "fleshed-out", "limp", and "drag" in a metaphorical sense here. 😏)
The story is part of an interesting - looking Steampunk story collection that I bought a few years ago. Based on this story I'll definitely soon explore the collection further.
March 20, 2012
A really good short story from Doctorow. I've only recently started to read more in the steampunk genre and I found this story very interesting.
You don't really get too much information about the outside of the orphanage as this is where the vast majority of the story takes place, however, Doctorow has certainly left enough scope to make this into a full-scale novel if needs be.
Story itself is very well written (the only other thing I've read by Doctorow is Little Brother so I really am not surprised that his short stories would be of the same high standard). World building within the orphanage is excellent, rather vague outside of this setting but that spoils nothing to the general story overall. Characterisations are also very good, and the concept of a 'Clockwork Fagin' (a robotic version of the orphanage overseer) is quite macabre but certainly not gruesome.
A very enjoyable read.
You don't really get too much information about the outside of the orphanage as this is where the vast majority of the story takes place, however, Doctorow has certainly left enough scope to make this into a full-scale novel if needs be.
Story itself is very well written (the only other thing I've read by Doctorow is Little Brother so I really am not surprised that his short stories would be of the same high standard). World building within the orphanage is excellent, rather vague outside of this setting but that spoils nothing to the general story overall. Characterisations are also very good, and the concept of a 'Clockwork Fagin' (a robotic version of the orphanage overseer) is quite macabre but certainly not gruesome.
A very enjoyable read.
February 5, 2013
Downtrodden inmate Sian O'Leary 17, originally from Hamilton, sold, like others, by impoverished parent, narrates "golden time" p91, arrival of "Monty" Montreal Montague Goldfarb, who brings brave heart, hand, and hope. Sisters of St Augustine Hospital send recovered children mutilated by machinery in steampunk Muddy York to Home for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children run by sadistic greedy Zophar Grindersworth, who sends them out to beg, and beats them down, worse than abused dogs. He starves them and gorges himself.
Based on Dicken's Victorian London society, divided harshly between pampered rich and deprived oppressed poor. Style reminiscent of the master's fluid florid paid-by-word extravagance, creative long names. One who has been bullied or abused can identify and take courage here.
Monty, still bruised from beating day before, starved sleepless from night in fierce rat-filled torture hole, bloody from eye-blink stabbing, speechifies portent of future. "Old Turd Gargler" stole to "feather his pretty little nest". Together, the cripples were injured precisely because they were "artificers, machinists, engineers, cunning shapers and makers.. Between us we could make anything, do anything .. The sisters of the Simpering Order of Saint Agathas Weeping Sores have all the cleverness of a turnip" p66. The children deserve "a life of leisure, fun, and invention, such as befits children of our mental stature and good character" p67, and have five days to begin.
"Clockwork Fagin" by Cory Doctorow, free at KoboBooks http://www.kobobooks.com/
Review of "Steampunk!" 14 well-written short stories.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Based on Dicken's Victorian London society, divided harshly between pampered rich and deprived oppressed poor. Style reminiscent of the master's fluid florid paid-by-word extravagance, creative long names. One who has been bullied or abused can identify and take courage here.
Monty, still bruised from beating day before, starved sleepless from night in fierce rat-filled torture hole, bloody from eye-blink stabbing, speechifies portent of future. "Old Turd Gargler" stole to "feather his pretty little nest". Together, the cripples were injured precisely because they were "artificers, machinists, engineers, cunning shapers and makers.. Between us we could make anything, do anything .. The sisters of the Simpering Order of Saint Agathas Weeping Sores have all the cleverness of a turnip" p66. The children deserve "a life of leisure, fun, and invention, such as befits children of our mental stature and good character" p67, and have five days to begin.
"Clockwork Fagin" by Cory Doctorow, free at KoboBooks http://www.kobobooks.com/
Review of "Steampunk!" 14 well-written short stories.
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
December 14, 2015
This is my first experience with the steampunk genre and I liked it.
Clockwork Fagin tells the story of Sian, Monty and their fellow comrades at Saint Agatha's Home for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children. At first they are physically and emotionally abused by Grinder, the person in charge of the orphanage. This ends with Monty's arrival who kills Grinder after his welcoming ceremony (which included "tenderizing" their flesh with the belt, followed by a night or two in the hole). After the guardian's demise, the children (all skilled in various domains) create a clockwork puppet to keep the appearance of Grinder's control. No good tale ever came by everything going smoothly, so this sets the grounds for some adventures.
First of all, I was happy with Grinder's fate. I hate people who are cruel to children no matter their motives.
I also liked Monty. From the first time he appeared, I thought of Brom's Peter Pan. He is deliciously mischievous and has a childish air that makes him very appealing. And he is cold hearted (or enraged) enough to kill his and the children's tormentor. But at the same time, he admits not being sure to have it in him to kill a second potential guardian (which separates him from Brom's Peter).
If you're new to the steampunk genre and don't know where to begin I recommend Clockwork Fagin. There are few chances you might regret reading this short story.
P.S. I also like the Introduction.
Clockwork Fagin tells the story of Sian, Monty and their fellow comrades at Saint Agatha's Home for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children. At first they are physically and emotionally abused by Grinder, the person in charge of the orphanage. This ends with Monty's arrival who kills Grinder after his welcoming ceremony (which included "tenderizing" their flesh with the belt, followed by a night or two in the hole). After the guardian's demise, the children (all skilled in various domains) create a clockwork puppet to keep the appearance of Grinder's control. No good tale ever came by everything going smoothly, so this sets the grounds for some adventures.
First of all, I was happy with Grinder's fate. I hate people who are cruel to children no matter their motives.
I also liked Monty. From the first time he appeared, I thought of Brom's Peter Pan. He is deliciously mischievous and has a childish air that makes him very appealing. And he is cold hearted (or enraged) enough to kill his and the children's tormentor. But at the same time, he admits not being sure to have it in him to kill a second potential guardian (which separates him from Brom's Peter).
If you're new to the steampunk genre and don't know where to begin I recommend Clockwork Fagin. There are few chances you might regret reading this short story.
P.S. I also like the Introduction.
December 24, 2016
Clockwork Fagin
A bit of steampunk genius, a tale about the Full Monty (no pardon for the pun). Children in an awful orphanage where mutations are your entry ticket, revolt killing the cruel master by running a charade of a clockwork replacement. A dark tale to be sure.
A bit of steampunk genius, a tale about the Full Monty (no pardon for the pun). Children in an awful orphanage where mutations are your entry ticket, revolt killing the cruel master by running a charade of a clockwork replacement. A dark tale to be sure.
June 10, 2012
Cory Doctorow once again delivers the goods! His cyberpunk books are always well worth the read, but I was slightly concerned when he took on a Steampunk story. Worthless worry. He mixes just the right amount of steam with the proper amount of punk--and then sets it in an alternate Canada.
If the rest of the stories in this collection are half as good as this single, it will be a treasured addition to my Kindle library.
This *is* just a single story selected from an anthology, so if that is not your cuppa, take a pass. But if you enjoy shorts, by all means, snatch it up. You will not be sorry.
If the rest of the stories in this collection are half as good as this single, it will be a treasured addition to my Kindle library.
This *is* just a single story selected from an anthology, so if that is not your cuppa, take a pass. But if you enjoy shorts, by all means, snatch it up. You will not be sorry.
August 25, 2012
I had never read any of Doctorow's work before, so I wondered what the fuss was all about. Now I know. He is quite the skillful wordsmith. There were word usages, however that I could not find even in my Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus, such as refering to one's offspring as one's "get," but perhaps this is regional Canadian slang.
I'm not sure why, but this story, which began for me as mere entertainment, actually brought a small tear to my eye by its end. Perhaps it was the transformation of a situation fraught with tremendous evil to one of compassion and peace --- but that would never affect any normal, sane person, right?
I'm not sure why, but this story, which began for me as mere entertainment, actually brought a small tear to my eye by its end. Perhaps it was the transformation of a situation fraught with tremendous evil to one of compassion and peace --- but that would never affect any normal, sane person, right?
May 24, 2012
Clockwork Fagin is a short-story/novella that is available as a free stand alone download from Kindle or Cory Doctorow's web page.
As anyone who is familiar with my blog will know, I saw Doctorow speak at last year's Edinburgh Book Festival and that talk goes down as one of, if not the best book festival talk I've ever attended. He's funny, thought provoking and cutting edge on digital publishing and adoption of future printing/production techniques. The novella was recommended to me by a friend who had no idea that I liked Doctorow but knows of my interest in steampunk. When I discovered that the two dovetailed, I was excited to see the results.
I though this was a charming pastiche with some clever ideas but ultimately undone by its short scope. I think this could easily be fleshed out to something far bigger and far more successful. This almost read more like a précis than a finished story, which accounts for the three rather than four star rating.
The story of Montague Goldfarb's arrival at St. Agatha's Home for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children is told by one of its downtrodden survivors, Sian. Sian like all of the other denizens of St. Agatha's have been cowed by Grinder, the malicious overseer of the school who uses its crippled and mangled charges as beggars to line his own purse. When Monty arrives, things change. Quickly toppling their cruel master, Monty hatches a plan to replace him with an automaton thereby giving the children an outlet for their skills as craftsmen while building a sense of independence, self reliance and community.
Clearly evoking Dickens' Victoriana, Doctorow draws clear parallels with Oliver Twist from the outset of the title. Montague is clearly the Artful Dodger. Sian substitutes for Oliver Twist and Grinder is shoehorned in to Fagin. While the analogy holds up on first pass, Grinder is actually more of a Beadle character as Fagin genuinely cared about his charges. But that's probably me being picky.
The story zips along with a fun pace. Given Doctorow's fixation on makers (3D printing that replaces the manufacturer and allows consumers to craft their own replacement parts, etc) it didn't surprise me that he has essentially re-tooled the steampunk genre to cater for that mechanical expression. Cleverly he establishes at the outset that the children have largely been disfigured through industrial accidents utilising Victorian child labour.
Most of the adults in the book are pretty dense. There is no question about the ability of the automaton operated by the children being able to fool the nuns who patron the home. Equally easily fooled are the police, including the constable who knew Grinder quite well. Given the level of gullibility, there's little true dramatic tension.
Equally frustrating was how neatly and quickly everything resolves at the end. It was as if Doctorow had reached his page allotment and needed to wrap everything up. The resolution relies on a last minute discovery about our protagonist, which I guess you could argue is very Dickensian but feels like a cheap get out trick none-the-less.
All in all, this was a fun, fast read which left me wishing that it had been full length. There's so much that could be mined here and Doctorow is an excellent writer. My guess is that this will never go further, which is a true pity. Still for a free read, you can't really complain!
3/5
As anyone who is familiar with my blog will know, I saw Doctorow speak at last year's Edinburgh Book Festival and that talk goes down as one of, if not the best book festival talk I've ever attended. He's funny, thought provoking and cutting edge on digital publishing and adoption of future printing/production techniques. The novella was recommended to me by a friend who had no idea that I liked Doctorow but knows of my interest in steampunk. When I discovered that the two dovetailed, I was excited to see the results.
I though this was a charming pastiche with some clever ideas but ultimately undone by its short scope. I think this could easily be fleshed out to something far bigger and far more successful. This almost read more like a précis than a finished story, which accounts for the three rather than four star rating.
The story of Montague Goldfarb's arrival at St. Agatha's Home for the Rehabilitation of Crippled Children is told by one of its downtrodden survivors, Sian. Sian like all of the other denizens of St. Agatha's have been cowed by Grinder, the malicious overseer of the school who uses its crippled and mangled charges as beggars to line his own purse. When Monty arrives, things change. Quickly toppling their cruel master, Monty hatches a plan to replace him with an automaton thereby giving the children an outlet for their skills as craftsmen while building a sense of independence, self reliance and community.
Clearly evoking Dickens' Victoriana, Doctorow draws clear parallels with Oliver Twist from the outset of the title. Montague is clearly the Artful Dodger. Sian substitutes for Oliver Twist and Grinder is shoehorned in to Fagin. While the analogy holds up on first pass, Grinder is actually more of a Beadle character as Fagin genuinely cared about his charges. But that's probably me being picky.
The story zips along with a fun pace. Given Doctorow's fixation on makers (3D printing that replaces the manufacturer and allows consumers to craft their own replacement parts, etc) it didn't surprise me that he has essentially re-tooled the steampunk genre to cater for that mechanical expression. Cleverly he establishes at the outset that the children have largely been disfigured through industrial accidents utilising Victorian child labour.
Most of the adults in the book are pretty dense. There is no question about the ability of the automaton operated by the children being able to fool the nuns who patron the home. Equally easily fooled are the police, including the constable who knew Grinder quite well. Given the level of gullibility, there's little true dramatic tension.
Equally frustrating was how neatly and quickly everything resolves at the end. It was as if Doctorow had reached his page allotment and needed to wrap everything up. The resolution relies on a last minute discovery about our protagonist, which I guess you could argue is very Dickensian but feels like a cheap get out trick none-the-less.
All in all, this was a fun, fast read which left me wishing that it had been full length. There's so much that could be mined here and Doctorow is an excellent writer. My guess is that this will never go further, which is a true pity. Still for a free read, you can't really complain!
3/5
October 26, 2011
Steampunk YA novella set in an orphanage for children maimed from accidents in factories and run by a sadistic man. Then one day a new orphan shows up and things turn around.
I don't want to give away what happens here, but it is violent, gory, but wholly inventive. It was weird and I'm sure I'm supposed to be grossed out by what happens, but I also thought it was poetic justice and I ended up really liking the story.
[The story is in a new YA Steampunk anthology, but I got it as a freebie on Amazon - a promo for the antho, I think. I do plan on reading the rest of the stories in the collection.]
I don't want to give away what happens here, but it is violent, gory, but wholly inventive. It was weird and I'm sure I'm supposed to be grossed out by what happens, but I also thought it was poetic justice and I ended up really liking the story.
[The story is in a new YA Steampunk anthology, but I got it as a freebie on Amazon - a promo for the antho, I think. I do plan on reading the rest of the stories in the collection.]
October 2, 2012
Steampunk with a dark sombre dystopian edge and a flavouring of the classic Oliver Twist story to boot. Although the genre can be a little over the top and out there for some, it also fills the gaps left between the more popular genres.
The story is a little dark and if tales about children being mistreated make you shed a tear then I suggest a tissue to wipe the occasional damp eye.
I liked the idea of the meek overcoming the strong via talent, working together and sheer tenacity.
This tale is a pefect introduction to steampunk. Just enough to give you a taste and leave you wanting more.
The story is a little dark and if tales about children being mistreated make you shed a tear then I suggest a tissue to wipe the occasional damp eye.
I liked the idea of the meek overcoming the strong via talent, working together and sheer tenacity.
This tale is a pefect introduction to steampunk. Just enough to give you a taste and leave you wanting more.
September 26, 2011
A neat little short story, free at the time I picked it up. I am likely to purchase the entire book of short stories, based on the quality of this one.
Essentially a retelling of a Charles Dicken type tale - orphan brought into an orphanage, but it is a steam punk version of Victorian London, and the tale ends up quite a bit more cheerful than the original.
Essentially a retelling of a Charles Dicken type tale - orphan brought into an orphanage, but it is a steam punk version of Victorian London, and the tale ends up quite a bit more cheerful than the original.
September 3, 2016
Those of you familiar with the basic premise of steampunk universes know that they are not a very nice place.
This one is no exception.
It is a tale of abuse, deception, and murder.
But for all that, it's short, simple to read, and while it won't win any literary awards it's not bad, and I'll probably pick up the whole anthology if I ever come across it.
This one is no exception.
It is a tale of abuse, deception, and murder.
But for all that, it's short, simple to read, and while it won't win any literary awards it's not bad, and I'll probably pick up the whole anthology if I ever come across it.
January 30, 2012
Great story all about how ophans take control of a factory. I loved the imagination of the children and how they all group together. Gives a perspective into the past on how children would work and the conditions in which they work. A great read.
Sex:No
Drugs:No
Alchol: Mention of them drinking brandy.
Sex:No
Drugs:No
Alchol: Mention of them drinking brandy.
August 16, 2014
This story was offered as a free preview of the collection. Doctorow's story makes good use of Dickens' theme set in York/Toronto. An extremely funny and well thought out story. Engrossing. I almost forgot to get off at my stop.
December 20, 2011
This short story is free online, and clearly I need to read more Doctorow because I really liked both this and For The Win. Sort of a steampunk re-imagining of Fagin's orphanage from Oliver Twist. Well-written and entertaining.
January 30, 2012
The beginning of this story had way more scatological references than I would have liked, but I ended up really enjoying it. The writing was excellent throughout and the story and characters were very engaging.
March 11, 2012
This was my first time reading steampunk and I quite enjoyed it. It's well-written and keeps your interest. Usually I stay away from short stories, because I think it's difficult to pace them well, but I think this one was perfect.
I would definitely read more in this genre and by this author.
I would definitely read more in this genre and by this author.
August 1, 2012
I am not a Steampunk fan, but this story really appealed to me. If you get a chance to download/listen to it from Escape Pod podcast, do not miss out because(pro)narration only adds to overall experience.
January 27, 2012
Wonderful and entertaining short story, delightfully punk without a corset in sight. Well worth your time if you love reading high-stakes tales with a happy ending.
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this short story. I've been reading Cory Doctorow's writing on Boingboing for years, but this is the first of his fiction that I've picked up. I look forward to reading more!
January 24, 2014
http://escapepod.org/2011/10/20/ep-31...
audiolink-coolth
This is an awesome short story, and the audio makes it even better!
audiolink-coolth
This is an awesome short story, and the audio makes it even better!
January 2, 2019
Unusual concept
Would have given five stars had it not been for the abrupt ending. Steampunk in essence but, could have been more descriptive. Enjoyable however and would definitely read further books of this nature.
Would have given five stars had it not been for the abrupt ending. Steampunk in essence but, could have been more descriptive. Enjoyable however and would definitely read further books of this nature.
June 11, 2019
"Clockwork Fagin" is the best "Oliver Twist" inspired tale I have read. This steampunk short story is rife with bombshells, class clashes, creepy characters, and innovative heroism. The first-person narrative is smooth and endearing.
June 16, 2019
Great steampunk story
Very satisfying. Loved the language and the characters. Great Doctorow story, in a different vein from his usual. Bon appetit.
Very satisfying. Loved the language and the characters. Great Doctorow story, in a different vein from his usual. Bon appetit.
September 18, 2024
What a super book!!!!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be entertained.
I was captivated by the very first page.
Awesome!!!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be entertained.
I was captivated by the very first page.
Awesome!!!
February 25, 2014
I found this short story as a free download. It is a preview for the rest of the anthology called Steampunk!
The business world has its dangers. As children are sold into indentured service to the computational services, accidents can and will happen. Death and maiming are common. The maimed children will be sent to homes where they are supposed to be rehabilitated, but in reality are more dumping grounds where they are often abused and forced to beg. One such home is St. Aggies. The headmaster, Grinder, believes beatings are the best way to greet new children. But the latest child disagrees. Now the children of St. Aggies find themselves controlling their own fates for the first time. Will they be able to beat the system that seems so intent on destroying them?
I found this world fascinating even though I would never want to actually go there. We quite frequently romanticize different historical periods and overlook practices that are thankfully left in the past. The kids were great characters.
As a preview story, I would have to say this one works. I definitely want to read the rest of the anthology.
The business world has its dangers. As children are sold into indentured service to the computational services, accidents can and will happen. Death and maiming are common. The maimed children will be sent to homes where they are supposed to be rehabilitated, but in reality are more dumping grounds where they are often abused and forced to beg. One such home is St. Aggies. The headmaster, Grinder, believes beatings are the best way to greet new children. But the latest child disagrees. Now the children of St. Aggies find themselves controlling their own fates for the first time. Will they be able to beat the system that seems so intent on destroying them?
I found this world fascinating even though I would never want to actually go there. We quite frequently romanticize different historical periods and overlook practices that are thankfully left in the past. The kids were great characters.
As a preview story, I would have to say this one works. I definitely want to read the rest of the anthology.
January 9, 2016
Great Introduction to Steampunk
I generally read "non-fiction" History and Economics, as well as as quality hard-science fiction, and almost anything involving travel and motorcycles, but I've never read much steampunk. I only read the preview story so far, but it is enough to make me want to read more from this author. The story may be about kids but is clearly written from a mature perspective that works as both good beach-book reading and meaningful (ie: relevant) "literary" fiction. I'll be reading this entire anthology and more from this author.
I generally read "non-fiction" History and Economics, as well as as quality hard-science fiction, and almost anything involving travel and motorcycles, but I've never read much steampunk. I only read the preview story so far, but it is enough to make me want to read more from this author. The story may be about kids but is clearly written from a mature perspective that works as both good beach-book reading and meaningful (ie: relevant) "literary" fiction. I'll be reading this entire anthology and more from this author.
August 5, 2014
I like steampunk, I love sci fi...this story reminds me intensely just why these are my favorite genres. The sense of realistic wonder that I get...
The language was a little bit difficult to follow at times, but ultimately readable...and it tells the story so well, you get to feel every wheel, every cog, every puff of steam.
That said, does anyone know where I can get the complete anthology online?
The language was a little bit difficult to follow at times, but ultimately readable...and it tells the story so well, you get to feel every wheel, every cog, every puff of steam.
That said, does anyone know where I can get the complete anthology online?
April 17, 2013
A very interesting story that reminds one of Oliver Twist, with a twist.
A bunch of kids in an orphanage have missing pieces of themselves, from limbs to noses. They are living under the care of a cruel man. . .who has events occur to him that involve some of the steam punk aspect of the story. It was strange. Not sure I enjoyed it. It was written well though.
A bunch of kids in an orphanage have missing pieces of themselves, from limbs to noses. They are living under the care of a cruel man. . .who has events occur to him that involve some of the steam punk aspect of the story. It was strange. Not sure I enjoyed it. It was written well though.
March 26, 2013
I've only one real criticism of this novella - it's too short! Doctorow spins a wonderful tale that is part Dickensian homage, part tables-turned tongue-in-cheek humour. In a world where children are exploited and completely dependent on unscrupulous adults, the inhabitants of one particular orphanage find their own ways of empowering themselves, and the result is ... unexpected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews