Neveryona, by Samuel R. Delany, ***

Book two of Delany's four-book set of tales relating to his fictional world of Neveryon, this one contains a single continuous plot while the first (and apparently the others) contain separate, but connected stories. The lead character in this book, a 15-ish-year-old girl named Pryn, meets an array of interesting people in unexpected scenarios. I never knew where Delany would take the book next. My wife is currently reading her 4th Dan Brown book of the spring (Deception Point), and she laughed today as once again a murder took place in the very first chapter, springing the story into action. She's a little tired of the Dan Brown formula by now, but she generally likes to try and guess where the author is going, what the twists and turns will be. She would have no idea what to do with this book, because Delany has once again proven that with absolutely no direction, he can create drama and conflict, and he can explore interesting questions about our society. These Neveryon tales read like a parable with resonance for our society (through examination of a developing culture), whereas Dhalgren took place in a sort of parallel world. In both cases, resonances with our culture are strong, though I imagine they'd still be vital to cultures in several hundred years. They're just very solid examinations of culture, humanity, etc. I'm extremely impressed. I hear that the third book (Return to Neveryon) is the best of the series, so I'm excited to move onto that one at some point. Even if it is only in the same realm as this book and the first (Tales of Neveryon), I'll be very satisfied.
(Spring 2004)

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