After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall
written by Nancy Kress
To be released in April 2012
Tachyon Publications
192 pages
8/10 stars
Thought-provoking, relevant, engaging story. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
The year is 2013 and Julie Kahn is working with the FBI, creating and tracking a complex algorithm to help explain and hopefully stop a series of odd burglaries and unexplainable child abductions.
The year is 2014 and just below the surface of the earth various microbes are combining and dividing to form something new, and something not quite right.
The year is 2035 and the last surviving members of the human race are living inside a protective shell, captives of a group of aliens the humans have named the “Tesslies”, the long-ago destroyers of the surface of Earth.
Author Nancy Kress has created a generation-spanning tale of near-future calamity and rebirth that starts out strong and builds steadily to a satisfying climax. In less than 200 pages Kress proves that a science fiction novel need not be dense to contain fascinating and relevant scientific concepts, intriguing mystery, and characters that compel you to keep the pages turning.
I was familiar with the work of Nancy Kress from short stories published in Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine as well as her excellent short story, “Elevators”, published in the Eclipse Two anthology. Tachyon Publications has been on my radar for the last year with three particular releases that I enjoyed immensely: The Very Best of Charles de Lint, Jeff Vandermeer’s short story collection The Third Bear, and the Sleight of Hand collection of Peter S. Beagle’s short fiction. So when Charlene Brusso from Tachyon Publications offered an Advanced Reader Copy of Kress’ newest novel, I jumped at the chance. The book’s description combined with the fact that it appeared to have a manageable page count was too good to pass up.
After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall alternates between the three aforementioned time periods, weaving together the stories of two individuals in particular–brilliant mathematician Julie Kahn and a 15-year old boy named Pete who is one of the Six, the only surviving children from the original 26 humans who were saved from the Earth’s devastation by the aliens responsible for the Earth’s demise. Pete is one of only a handful of humans who is healthy enough to travel back in time during the Grabs, 10 minute portals into the past in which they are able to grab goods and also children with which they hope to be able to restart humanity once the Earth is again capable of supporting human life. Julie Kahn has picked up a pattern in the child abductions and strange robberies and is using that knowledge to try to predict where the next disappearance will occur. She hopes to be able to provide proof that the outlandish stories of children disappearing into thin air followed by a flash of light are actually not stories at all.
Author Nancy Kress wastes no time, she draws the reader in from page one. Her writing is taut and she keeps chapters short, building dramatic tension with each shift in time. The details of the story and the descriptions of the world in which each of her characters live is woven into the fabric of the tale, there are no info-dumps here. Her characters are interesting and engaging and authentic. Her biggest triumph is capturing the “voice” of a 15 year old boy so well. Sometimes too well. My one niggling complaint would be that I found myself growing tired of hearing Pete recount the things that made his cock hard. But his sex-obsessed thoughts are so in line with what I recall of my own adolescence that it is a minor complaint indeed, though one to keep in mind when deciding on the book’s audience. I found myself more than once comparing this book favorably to Paolo Bacigalupi’s award-winning YA novel, Ship Breaker, and while the book is likely to be marketed to an adult audience I can see this book appealing to teen readers as well. It would be wonderful to see more science fiction amidst all the Twilight-esque fantasy dominating teen sections of the bookstore.
I have not been shy over the years in lamenting the ever-growing size and weight of the contemporary SFF novel. Despite enjoying many very hefty novels, I often wonder what happened to the days of yore when authors could write a story that was a few hundred pages yet could skillfully capture the reader’s imagination. I commend Nancy Kress on doing just that. My conditioning from reading contemporary tomes had me worried as I read that the story might not come to a fully satisfying conclusion and I am happy to report that those worries were unfounded. The survivors and their six children are of particular interest and the mystery and sacrifice of their lives are conveyed with an economy of words that paint vivid images for the reader. Julie Kahn is a likeable “everywoman” protagonist who grounds the reader in our present time. The novel’s short length does nothing to rob it of its poignancy.
After the Fall, Before the Fall, During the Fall is as entertaining as one hopes fiction will be while also rising above “mere” entertainment to explore pertinent environmental concepts in a plausible but not overly scientific manner. Nancy Kress has created an accessible, page-turning near future science fiction tale that stirs the mind as well as the imagination.
Wow…this sounds like a book I would really love. And a book that Rich would love even more. Now the problem is having my scattered brain remember it by the time April rolls around.
Yes, you and Rich would enjoy this one. No doubt about it.
Sounds cool. Glad you liked it. I don’t think I’ve ever read any Nancy Kress. I’m with Debi though. Unfortunately I doubt I’ll remember this review by the time April rolls around either.
I was going to make some snarky comment about your continual focus on book size but since it’s Monday I’m going to take the high road.
Well you enjoy yourself up there!
There is something for me really special in having the reading mood come upon me when I can pick up a reasonably sized book and lose myself within it, experiencing it from start to finish in just a day or two. Its like taking a special weekend trip without physically leaving the home. I’ll forever champion writers who can give me this experience, while also giving due praise to massive tomes like The Way of Kings, for example, whenever I fall hard for them.
For you and Debi, and anyone else who needs a jolt to the little gray cells, I will do my best to remember to publish an announcement and link back to this review when the book finds its way to store shelves.
I love the idea of those “Grabs”, and someone investigating these odd events. I’m putting this on my TBR list and adding it to my Google calendar to remind me when it’s available because this really has me intrigued!
It was an interesting concept and added a lot of excitement to the story. Good idea on the reminder. I have went ahead and added it to my calendar as well to do a reminder post. I may talk to Tachyon to see if they are willing to consider a giveaway near the release date.
Oh….this sounds really good! I knew if I came over here I would find something good to put on my TBR!!
Stephanie!!!! I say it every time, but you are missed. I get tempted sometimes to open the emails from your hacked account in lieu of any news from you, lol!
Yes, put it on your list!
Damned hackers! I really need to just shut off that account and start fresh. But I’ve had it so long!!
You know me. Can’t stay away forever. Besides….isn’t Once Upon a Time coming soon?? Missed you Too!!
Sounds interesting. I have never heard of it before.
I was glad the publisher emailed me as I am not sure this would have been on my radar otherwise. Glad I can do my part to get the word out.
short and riveting? I will be reading this. 12 Monkeys came to mind for a moment, so there is another sell.
thanks for the recommendation! and really really excellent review Carl. Not for the first time I was thinking how people should be picking up your reviews for their publications (on-line or otherwise).
Now there is a film I haven’t seen in far too long. Good ol’ 12 Monkeys. One of my favorite Brad Pitt performances.
I think you’d enjoy this one.
You had me at Tachyon… well, at The Third Bear, anyway. This sounds most intriguing and entertaining. Thanks for the review.
I always think of you when I think of The Third Bear because we either read it around the same time or were just discussing it when I read it.
Oddly enough, I always think of you whenever I think of The Third Bear because you directly influenced my choice to read it, and I’m so glad for it. By the way, have you seen the Tor.com webcomic of “The Situation” from that collection? Here’s a link, though I’m sure you’ve seen and read it. It perfectly captures the mood VanderMeer had with that particular piece. And I absolutely loved Orchard’s artwork.
I haven’t, but I will check it out. Thanks for the memory jog, I guess I do remember writing about it and you picking it up soon after. It is a collection I will be rereading at some point. Such wild stories.
Sounds interesting, I like the idea of the different time lines. Like everyone else I will try to keep an eye out for in in April. Although the release date over here is probably different
Speaking of shorter sci-fi, have you tried any of Hugh Howey’s novellas? The Wool series, I think you’d enjoy them.
It is nicely done as well, nothing confusing about where you are at or who’s story you are reading.
The author’s name isn’t familiar but the “Wool” series does sound familiar and now I am wondering why. I’ll be looking it up, thanks!
This sounds like a neat book. I have one by Nancy Kress on my TBR shelf called “Beggars in Spain” that I’m hoping to read at some point this year.
The novella that the book was expanded from won the Hugo and Nebula award. After reading this I’m wanting to check out more of her long form fiction.
I’ve never read Kress, and this sounds incredible!
It was actually a very good read and one I would like to hear your thoughts on.
Oh wow, this sounds damn good! Will have to look out for it!
The release date online seems to be April 1st (which can’t be right considering its a Sunday), but keep your eyes peeled in early Spring.
I actually ended up preordering it right after reading this
Awesome, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Ummmmm..I believe I must have this. Carl, I do believe you’re a bad influence on me
I would feel bad if the feelings weren’t mutual with all the rest of you here! Ah well, at least we are tempting each other to partake of stuff that will stimulate our imaginations. I could be doing a food blog where all I post about are easy-to-make “Death by Chocolate” recipes! LOL!
Ok, but any time you want to throw in a chocolate recipe or two I’m fine with that as well
With your descriptive prowess im sure those recipes would sound pretty damned good Carl 