The Long and the Short of It: More Essays on the Fiction of Gene Wolfe

by Robert Borski

Over the years sf and fantasy writer Gene Wolfe has proven himself to be adept at all lengths of fiction. Now in THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT , once again literary detective Robert Borski brings his critical eye and acumen to the wide array of Wolfe's work, from short stories to novellas to mega-book series. Along the way he'll reveal to you the hidden alchemical structure of PEACE, why he thinks Latro and several others may be werewolves, what has happened to the missing twenty-four hours in 'Seven American Nights," what Biblical story is retold in the pulpish 'Tracking Song," who might or might not be an abo in THE FIFTH HEAD OF CERBERUS , and how to navigate your way through dozens of other lupine mazes-all before concluding with an extended examination of Wolfe's dazzling, if often opaque, BOOK OF THE SHORT SUN .

Genres: Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published February 17, 2006

Reviews

[Aaron Singleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little book full of essays about the fiction of Gene Wolfe. Borski certainly has some unique ideas about the hidden meanings in Wolfe's works, and while some are put off by his speculation, I found most of the pieces here to be fun and entertaining. While I don't agree with all of Mr. Borski's interpretations, some of them are really well-thought out and spot on, IMO. If you're a Wolfe fan with an open mind, check this one out. Good fun.

BTW, Mr. Borski is responsible for the section on the WolfeWiki called "Cave Canem" which concerns Wolfe's novel The Fifth Head of Cerberus. That is a must see.

[matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent detective work on the often labyrinthine works of wolfe.