Analyzing Poul Anderson's "Brake" has been an interesting experience. We discern three elements:
the interminable fight sequence in the spaceship;
the eventual explanation that does give this story a role in the Psychotechnic History;
the technical problem in the concluding section.
When the problem is solved, there is a sense of satisfaction or completion but not as much as if the story had focused on the problem from the beginning. The narrative has rambled to its conclusion.
The three elements of the story could have been treated separately. Anderson was writing against the background of a future history time chart. We want to know more about Terrestrial society at the time and about the Western Reformist conspirators who try to hijack the spaceship and who thus initiate the violence that occupies most of the story.
Having, I think, exhausted this story for the time being, should we stay with the Psychotechnic History or move on to other works?
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I know you regard the Draka with distaste, but perhaps you could return to Stirling's THE STONE DOGS? We do see more of Eric von Shrakenberg in that book than we did in UNDER THE YOKE, and I found his struggle to somehow restrain the Draka interesting, if "foredoomed" to failure. Also, we see more of what passed for "peace" within both the Alliance and the Domination. AND, colonizing efforts by both rival powers off Earth as well.
Then, of course, there's Stirling last Draka book, DRAKON, to consider. I think Stirling had planned a fifth Draka book, possibly titled UNTO US A CHILD, but legal difficulties with a former publisher has apparently prevented that book from being written/published. A pity!
Sean
Sean,
I will certainly return to the Draka, probably soon. My distaste for them does not prevent me from enjoying SM Stirling's fiction.
I am still thinking of angles on the Psychotechnic History.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Good! I would call both MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA and UNDER THE YOKE straight forward alternate history SF. But, THE STONE DOGS and DRAKON are more classically hard SF in the Campbellian sense (while still remaining alternate history).
And I will continue to read your Psychotechnic notes.
Sean
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