Posted by Elena on August 08, 1998 at 12:01:59:
In Reply to: Re: Poor Reviews and Misunderstandings - A counterview posted by Richard Simms on August 03, 1998 at 00:43:33:
: : : Good work Tim. You may have stimulated some response with this commentary. I agree that Ports of Call is different - it's much less focussed than most of Jack's stuff. I actually found myself struggling somewhat when reading it. However, if I recall correctly, I had a similar feeling of discomfort when reading some of his other works. I think _The Faceless Man_ and _Emphyrio_ are examples. Yet, somehow, these have pushed to the top of the list in terms of my favorites after I've re-read all of Jack's books many times.
: : : So, I think it'll be interesting to re-read _Ports of Call_ after a suitable wait, and see what my second opinion is.
: : : Finally, I want to vigorously disagree with the "only one really good book since Lyonesse 3" assertion. I very much appreciated _Araminta Station_. I thought it was classic Vance, well done, and engrossing. I find myself at the bookcase looking at it from time to time - it must be getting time to re-read... Mark Adams (Vance-phile since 6th grade - or 1966 in objective terms).
: : : : Am I alone in thinking that Ports of Call, sparkling with adornments though it is, is some way below Jack's best work? Compared with his best output, there is a lack of narrative drive which the arrival of a sequel will do little to offset. Yes, the structure is meant ot be loose and episodic, but we need only look at The Eyes of the Overworld to see how much verve Jack can give that structure.
: : : : While we are in the realms of heresy, I would advance the provocative contention that Jack has written only one really good book since Lyonesse 3: Night Lamp, which is truly excellent.
: : : : Why am I knocking Jack's recent work in this way? Simply this - I don't think we do him any favours if we slavishly say all of his work is equally sublime. Can we compare Throy with The Face? Or Ecce and Old Earth with the under-rated Emphyrio? I don't think so. All of Jack's work is good; even his worst is better than almost anything else out there. But some of his work is quite simply the best the field has ever produced - and it's up to us to convince the world. And we won't do that with Ports of Call.
: : : : Feel free to call me a mean-spirited carper and joyless schismatic: I am sure you were going to anyway. But healthy debate is good for the soul...
: : : : Cheers,
: : : : Tim.
: : :
: : : : : In light of the recent poor review in Analog, the earlier ho-hum review by Kirkus of "Ports of Call," and some general comments on these pages and other review magazines, one common thread has come to light:
: : : : : Most reviewers are unaware that "Ports of Call" is only the first book of a duology, and that the reason why many plot threads do not seem to lead anyware, and the ending is a little off kilter is that there is a second book to come, whereupon all of the outstanding questions will be asked.
: : : : : One review I saw was most entertaining for its lack of appreciation of this simple fact as the reviewer ranted on about how much of a disgrace the book was in that one of the most important plot threads, that of the search for the "fountain of youth", was left dangling and went on to say that tying up plot threads was one of the first things you learn in creative writing. It obviously didn't occur to the poor chap that there might be a sequel!!
: : : : : For the record, I happen to think Ports of Call to be an excellent book, perhaps Jacks' funniest to date, with plenty of delicious situations and incidents.
: : : : : Cheers,
: : : : : Rich
: : Tims comments are hardly "mean spirited and joyless"; the calibre and intelligence of most JV fans would hardly allow them to put aside any critical reasoning facility when reading his books. What intrigues me is the "meandering journey" structure of PoC has been used frequently by Vance, as far back as Galactic effectuator as I recall, but with varying degrees of (IMHO) success. Space opera and Throy are among those I liked least, Cugels saga and eyes of the overworld the best. Another tiny question arises, is it just me or do others consider the final story of his trilogies (eg Asutra, Maduoc) a little rushed in conclusion? As much as I love these works, I'm left with the impression of a slow, magnificent, beautifully crafted, detailed introduction and progression, but then a conclusion that's just a trifle hurried. Before I get spammed out of existence let me assure you all I'm the most ardent JV fan there is, but I'd be interested in others opinions.
: : Lyall
: I'm very interested to read the views of others regarding Ports of Call. I happen to agree with Lyall's comments about rushed endings but don't feel it's too much of a loss - who cares about the ending when the journey there has been so fantastic?
: But I do like things to be wrapped up obviously. With Ports of Call I have to say I struggled reading it too. It's not that many threads of the story were left hanging so much as I felt the story meandered far too much. One didn't have alot to hang onto. It was hard to sympathise with the central character who lets face it is hardly Kirth Gersen or Glawen Clattuc.
: Perhaps re-reading it will be a different experience. I am currently re-reading Night Lamp and am enjoying it now as I did the first time. This story like so much of his work goes off on tangents but nevertheless the plot is always there to keep you interested.
: Stylistically Ports of Call is good but I can't help feeling that the sidetracks and offshoots to the story are overdone and make it hard reading. That's just my opinion though ; if others enjoyed it then good luck to them. I love just about everything else Vance has written!
: Rich.
Re-read it. The first time through I enjoyed it but less than I have enjoyed re-reading some of my fav's (Emphyrio, Maske:Thaery to name a few). The second time through I took my time and certainly appreciate it more. In fact, I cannot wait for the conclusion-after the second read, you really, really want Dame Hester and Marko Fassig to get their just desserts and I for one am dying to see just what Vance dishes up. Something on the scale of a Darsh face hanging over the garden wall perhaps?
Elena