threemonkeys: (Waxlion)
threemonkeys ([personal profile] threemonkeys) wrote2008-09-18 06:49 pm

Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin - together again

Three Days to Never by Tim Powers confirms two things for me

1 - Powers is a better novel writer than a short story writer.

2 - A clean clear writing style is not incompatible with a complex twisting convoluted plot. In fact, in this case, very compatible indeed.

Why yes, now that you mention it, I did like it.

[identity profile] strangedave.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 02:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I thought it was very fine by the standards of novels in general, but only OK as far as Tim Powers novels go. I may be under rating it a little though -- possibly the characterisation is a little above his normal high standard.

I remember buying it distinctly. I was so determined that as I was going to Worldcon in LA at the start of a long trip, I wasn't going to buy hardback and heavy things. And then my favourite author was standing there, with a stack of hardbacks of his new novel, greeting me by name and offering to sign one for me. Just not fair!

I want to try to convince him if he writes any followups, they should include Aleister Crowley due to his love of mountaineering.

[identity profile] littenz.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Looks like I have to advance this book up my reading pile. No hardship there.
ext_112556: (Default)

[identity profile] threemonkeys.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 08:18 pm (UTC)(link)
I think I did well to hold off reading it for even the short time that I did.
ext_112556: (Default)

[identity profile] threemonkeys.livejournal.com 2008-09-18 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
Didn't you go to burning man after that con. You could have put the book on a little shrine and worshipped it there - I bet you would have got others to join in.