Barry answers “Is the use of "mankind" a hint of what...”

Gabrielle asked this question about Shards of Earth (The Final Architecture, #1):

Is the use of "mankind" a hint of what will be women's and LGBTQ+'s place in the book?

Barry In a way 'yes', because without getting into spoilers there is a 'mankind' in this book and there are challenges and alternatives presented. It's eith…moreIn a way 'yes', because without getting into spoilers there is a 'mankind' in this book and there are challenges and alternatives presented. It's either an editorial slip or very clever indeed (I suspect the former).

I think this book contains positive, and yet not uncritical discourse of LGBTQ identity, race, gender politics and disability.

I am mindful that many of the criticisms aimed at you for asking your question, suggesting you shouldn't be 'condemning them' or bringing inclusion into the discussion haven't actually read the book either and have jumped on you a little.

Good science-fiction always asks 'what-if' and this book does it well. I have read many books praised for their representation this year where I have felt they are little more than 'add a one sentence trans character in' or 'I'll just make this person asexual' without actually considering what that means for the character in the story or setting (not that this should ever be the sole focus).

If you haven't read the book I think you may enjoy the exploration of the themes, even though I didn't enjoy the book overall.
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