This novel shares with Anderson's first, Psychotechnic, future history the paradox of a high tech civilization following soon after a nuclear war. We recognize dystopian features of such a civilization:
upper- and lower-level social strata;
demoralizing technological unemployment;
population growth outpacing welfare services.
Upper-level society has company towers and aircars on multiple computer-controlled traffic levels. We have been here before. An experienced sf writer is able to sketch in a particular kind of future society in a few sentences.
Technology can educate and engage or alienate and antagonize. An sf novel either addresses such issues or merely presents a social background in which the issues are at least implicit.
The shield that protects our hero simultaneously immobilizes him so how useful a gadget is it?
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Well, if I can go by memory, the "shield" of Anderson's SHIELD at least protects persons inside it from either accidental or deliberate harm. Many possible implications comes to mind: such as fallen politicians or criminals taking refuge inside a "shield" to escape their enemies or the police.
Sean
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