Bookworms: 2312 (2012) by Kim Stanley Robinson
I have always loved space and the idea of space exploration, so I have been drawn to many science fiction novels over the years where these things are at their heart. With his ‘Mars Trilogy’, Kim Stanley Robinson gave us a version of events that felt plausible and really let the dream come alive. He constructed realistic timelines of exploration, based in scientific fact, or at least reasonable conjecture, which made it so much more potentially tangible. Before reading ‘2312‘ my hope was that I would be able to experience more of that magic.
In the 24th century, the solar system has become almost fully colonized, with communities spread not just across planets, but also on the moons and in asteroid habitats. Humanity has developed new traits, both through medical science and environmental factors; gender definitions have expanded, societal roles are more varied, and life expectancy vastly increased. The solar system’s economic complexities have increased dramatically and control of this is coordinated by quantum computers and A.I.s, based upon an accord between the different communities, such as Mars, Venus, Mercury and the Saturn League. These communities, however, are rife with politics, with old grudges, and prejudices barely contained, especially between Earth and the ‘Spacers’. In this universe we follow Swan who has returned to her native Mercury after the death of her Grandmother, Alex. Following the funeral, Swan finds an envelope addressed to her hidden in Alex’s possessions and within it she receives instructions to take a similar letter to a man who designs the quantum computers, as well as more questions. Things may not be as they seem and the more she questions, the more intrigue is unveiled. Politics, terrorism, jealousy, greed, and many age old traits of humanity all combine to drive events towards the pivotal moments of 2312.
Like his ‘Mars Trilogy’, Robinson has managed to create an environment with a great scope and based in believable science, which is clearly well researched. There isn’t a problem with understanding either, as any back-story or scientific knowledge the reader needs, has been given in short extracts, almost like a primer for an upcoming point. These work very well and allow the narrative to move without having to stop every paragraph to explain something, or possibly being too heavy with knowledge and dry, such as in the extracts in the work of Stephen Baxter. This technological aspect is good too, with such things as vast ships made out of hollowed out asteroids, space elevators and large cities traversing landscapes on rails making an appearance, all of which are highly satisfying for both the ‘Scientific’ and ‘Space Opera’ sides of the reader. One thing that comes through though, is the author’s penchant for ecological concerns and they are obvious throughout the book, especially in the sections that take place on Earth, where climate change has wreaked havoc with the environment; as in his other works, Robinson clearly has a passion in this area and his points are made effectively.
Character wise, Robinson has expanded the concept of humanity more than in his previous works, with there being a greater variety of body shapes, types, and genders, which opens up many intriguing areas for discussion, such as gender identity, marriage, relationships, family units, cultural traditions, physical abilities, and prejudice. Some of these have been handled well, while others seem less well defined and prove slightly problematic in the narrative, being somewhat clunky, or afterthoughts. Where it works best is when Robinson suggests and explores new concepts or cultural norms, allowing the reader to explore them with him in their own mind, which he does very well, utilizing the extracts method as previously mentioned. However, when he cements an idea, as near the end when he needs it for the story, it can be contrived and less effective. Partly, his problem is that the characters are too broadly drawn and you don’t always get a deep sense of them, or connection, which can leave you indifferent to their plight. For me, this shows that Robinson is on far safer ground in the technological aspects of the narrative, than the interpersonal, which some people may not like. The notions of space exploration, the technological, and the conceptual are some of the aspects I am after, so I don’t find it too problematic.
At the heart of this book is a ‘whodunnit’, but just played out on a large scale. At the beginning we are introduced to a universe full of unsettled people, politics, and intrigue, but after an act of terrorism is thrown in to set the ball rolling, it follows a fairly standard plotline, which is disappointing. What does work for Robinson is that the political and cultural landscape is multi-layered and allows for a large canvas on which to draw the story. The concepts, suggestions, and discussions in the book are its strength, with a major emphasis on the questions of the nature of humanity, our place in the universe, what is acceptable geo-engineering, and our connection to the Earth.
Whether you are a fan of the hardest science fiction, or ‘space opera’, there is something for you in this book, and I would recommend it. At the very least it will make you think, which is perhaps the best thing of all.
