I am pretty well on record that I think Gene Wolfe is a genius, but you would have to admit he isn't really interested in telling stories in the conventional sense so much as he is setting up really elaborate riddles. Basic narrative conventions are eschewed here, as is often the case with Wolfe--much of the book consists of expository dialogue which obfuscates more than it clarifies, and the characters are thin as tissue paper, and some of Wolfe's decisions with accents and patois are really quite unfortunate. But the thing about Wolfe is that you can't be 100% sure that he isn't doing all of this deliberately and you yourself just aren't smart enough to get the joke. Split the difference and give him a 3, especially as the whole rating system is pretty silly anyway. Meh. While I respect the style of this book, the traditional super 1950's science fiction story is great, unfortunately Wolfe doesn't update characters into a contemporary reality. The game-changing love that spins this tale is flat, unbelievable and naive. Misogyny is so over. If your main character will lie, cheat, and steal, great! But let it be for herself, and not for a series of monogomous relationships with men who are repellant but have money or power. Ick.
What do You think about An Evil Guest (2008)?
Any bookby Wolfe is good, just read a couple of paragraphs and it looks interesting.
—camille
A fantastic and exotic multi-genre read. Not for everyone though.
—rhea
The ending was unsatisfying - I'm hoping for a sequel.
—kathryn
