John at SF Signal asked me to participate in their most recent Mind Meld, answering the question, “Which science fiction or fantasy novels, past and present, do you consider to be the most controversial? Why?” I was honored to be asked. These discussions usually feature the biggest names in the field. This time was no exception. You can read my response alongside essays from Pete Watts, Daniel Abraham, Sarah Beth Durst, Jeff Carlson, Jim Minz, Alan Beatts, Tim Holman, and many others.
I am honored and humbled to be among such talent. I can only hope that my contribution approaches the quality of these fine writers.
Speaking of my contribution, I wrote about Yevgeny Zamyatin’s We, a dystopian novel that inspired Orwell’s 1984 and had tremendous impact on the genre of dystopian SF. Here is the opening paragraph of my essay:
Dystopian literature often tops the list of “banned” or “controversial books,” especially when that list is science fictional in its focus. Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, and 1984rise to the top quite readily, but there is one little novel that not only predates those fine works, but serves as their predecessor, and perhaps the very originator of SF dystopias (though let us not forget Jack London’s The Iron Heel).
You’ll have to go to the Mind Meld to read the rest. Join the conversation, and have fun!
Speak Your Mind