CHINA MOUNTAIN ZHANG: Roll call and initial impressions (*NO SPOILERS*)

[Candiss]

Please let us know if you're reading, planning to read, or have read China Mountain Zhang by Maureen F. McHugh.

No spoilers in this topic please!

[Tyler]

It's definitely on my to-read shelf, don't know if I will get to it this month.

[Candiss]

I've had this at home for ages, so I'll definitely be reading along, but I can't start until I finish my current reads.

[Nick]

Planning on reading this one. Hope, hope, hope I get to it before Thanksgiving!

[Maggie]

I have it out and ready to start next!

[Nikita]

I have the book in my possession, now to fit in time to read it.

[Bev]

Too expensive on kindle so will give it a miss.

[Candiss]

I'm about 1/4 of the way through the book and really liking it so far. I like the different characters' perspectives and the subtly-yet-vividly drawn world. I also really like the POV characters.

This was published in 1992. I know it won several awards, including the Locus, but it should be more well-known. The cyberpunk canon (in which I would categorize this due to all the implants and such, albeit as more slice-of-average-life than adventure) needs more subtle, social works to round it out.

[Maggie]

I so agree about the POV characters, Candiss. So far I think theyre the best part!

[Andreas]

Started it yesterday, I'm 40% in. I found it to be a real page turner. Changing POV and settings were really good - the POV on Mars is nothing new, of course, but it is somewhat different than Red Mars which I read recently. And it is more about relationships. POV about cyberpunk dragon riders was really nice and innovative, as well. POV about ABC Zhang himself was fine as well - cyberpunk building in New York and on the Labrador island was innovative and interesting as well.

I just wonder, if the Chinese background is well founded - I don't have any Chinese guys around to ask.

[Oni]

Yes, the changing POV is REALLY good. Having different vantage point of the same event!

[Candiss]

Andreas wrote: "Started it yesterday, I'm 40% in. I found it to be a real page turner. Changing POV and settings were really good - the POV on Mars is nothing new, of course, but it is somewhat different than [boo..."

I know McHugh lived and studied in China for quite a while, so my gut tells me she has a number of friends/acquaintances/coworkers whose brains she was able to pick, as well as her own experiences and research capabilities. Then again, as this is a theoretical future China, in a world much changed, I'm not sure the intention is even to be factual or authentic regarding the cultural bits. I'd have to do more specific research to see if she's written anything about her method and such.