Interference

by Terry Grimwood

The Grubby Dance of Politics didn't end when we left the solar system, it followed us to the stars.

Genres: Science Fiction

84 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a truly fascinating SF novella which packs in beliveable characterisation, a moral dilemma of a plot, and some great theoretical concepts into less than one hundred pages. The writing is assured, the tensions genuine, and a couple of twists segue well into our existing perceptions without feeling that the rug has been pulled from under our feet. As the phrase has it, I couldn't put it down. I could easily see this expanded into a novel (or film) although that's not to say I was left wanting as it is. I won't go into the plot as I believe all books should be entered cold, suffice to say that this particular journey is highly recommended.

[Lucy Nield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terry Grimwood’s latest novella ‘Interference,’ explores the possibilities of sentient life beyond the confines of our own planet. Grimwood writes about interplanetary affairs and just how far humans will go for their own selfish desires. The narrative is designed to make us consider what we would do if we were presented with a simple choice, Immorality in exchange for the gift of immortality to humanity; or morality to retain order, peace, and traditional humanity. Grimwood presents a world full of ambiguity and uncertainty, but the realms of politics and diplomacy remain predictably and painfully ‘grubby’ and problematic. As we follow the characters during their diplomatic conference to an alien world, things are not always as they appear. The aliens, their world, their city and their War scar the narrative with their presence from the first page, but only in time do we all learn the truth about what is really happening.

‘It was unlike any city Tor had seen before. The Buildings, presumably they were buildings, were thousands of feet high and all identical. Each one resembled the rounded, slightly flattened, shape of a titanic pebble […] The whole thing reminded him, unnervingly, of a giants’ graveyard.’

Torstein Danielson (Tor), Secretary for Interplanetary Affairs, has been sent to visit the Iaen on their home world. He has been selected to make a difficult choice: go against the Alliance and help the Ia in their War, or to not interfere with the Iaen’s War. Tor is part of the first group of humans who have been invited to Ia, and he will be the first person to step foot on this alien world. The Iaen have asked for the assistance of humanity against their enemy, the Tal, and although the Iaen technology is far more advanced than humanity’s tech, they insist the ‘crude’ warfare and combat of Earth are the only way to win their war.

“Why do they need our help? They are practically gods compared to us.”
“A test?”
“Possibly”

Overall, this novella leans heavily on the uncertainties and ambiguities surrounding the Iaen, the Tal, and the planet itself. Why are they at War? Where is the War? And should Humanity interfere or not?

FULL REVIEW ON THE FANTASY HIVE.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grimwood takes us across the galaxy on a philosophical journey to question the complexities of humanity amongst the stars. Weaving political intrigue, the horrors of war, and the nuance required to be both advocate for peace and saviour of humanity's place in the heavens, this novella manages to pack a lot of story into such a short space, and with depth usually found in bulkier releases.

A final, poignant plot twist provides a satisfying finale to a fine book indeed.

Highly recommended.