Mirkheim is "Lodestar" writ large, the same questions: can there be a giant, supermetals-coated planet like Mirkheim and, if so, who should do what about it? Thus, both a good sf novel and a good political novel. "What should happen?" is a different question from "What is likely to happen?" Also, since
Mirkheim presents a convincing narrative of change in the lives of several disparate characters, it succeeds simply as a novel. Written to complete and conclude the Polesotechnic League series, it shows its readers Nicholas van Rijn, David Falkayn, Adzel and Chee Lan for the last time after all that they have been through which is a lot. Adzel has progressed from student days to retirement, Falkayn from apprenticeship to acting CEO of van Rijn's company, and it is made clear here that both will do more.
See also Issues In Mirkheim.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Stirling's comments has convinced me Nicholas van Rijn was mistaken in preferring to have the Polesotechnic League making the major decisions. Even one which had not yet been corrupted. Because any kind of violence controlled by private enterprise too easily leads to a "state of nature" marked by lethally dangerous insecurity for everybody. The activities of the Seven in Space (even if they were being manipulated by Strang) shows that too clearly.
But the Commonwealth too was failing. It was showing itself unable to act effectively on an interstellar scale.
After patching up the League as much as possible, Old Nick wanted to spend his final years on one last great, truly LONG voyage of exploration. His own Grand Survey, you might say. And we see David Falkayn where to move and what to do after leaving Earth.
Ad astra! Sean
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