Review by Koyna -- So Long Earth by Michael Bienenstock
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Review by Koyna -- So Long Earth by Michael Bienenstock
[Following is a volunteer review of "So Long Earth" by Michael Bienenstock.]
So Long Earth is a sci-fi novel written by Michael Bienenstock. Dr. Burns, an environmental scientist, observed that natural disasters were occurring at a higher frequency. He predicted that the disappearing island of Kiribati, flooding in Florida, and frequent firestorm in California was just the start of an array of disasters that would lead to the destruction of the Earth. To make things worse, the Trump administration refused to listen to their concerns, much less support them. Dr. Burn decided to take matters into his own hands. Along with scientists from Germany, Australia, and Russia, he planned to build four spaceships that could carry a thousand people each. They would then take undertake an unprecedented quest in space and find another planet where humanity could continue.
He estimated that by 2030 the end would be close. Will Dr. Burn and his crew be able to engineer the technology required for a spaceship in just ten years? Will Russia cooperate?
I was impressed at the factual correctness of the disasters mentioned. I particularly enjoyed the discussion related to cryopreservation and cloning. The officers did not know how long it would be before they reached a new planet. Hence, it became necessary to find ways to elongate life. Incidents with Epoh, the first human clone, caught my attention. Every scene related to him added a little more insight to his queer behavior. The political tension between America and Russia engaged me. The conflict caused by the president of Russia, Ivanov, was unexpected and quite intriguing. The book weaves many aspects that would come into play for such an endeavor.
I was disappointed, however, that the book described only the launch and not the entire journey through space. It was unexpected and felt incomplete. The book moved at a slow pace. Partly, because they spent a lot of time describing the emotions felt by the characters. Some of these emotions like anger for the Trump administration came up repeatedly. At these places, it felt as if the story moved one step forward, but then turned back two steps. It appeared that Dr. Sato had a romantic interest. But again, that part did not develop and was left hanging.
I will give this book 2 stars out of 4. The book made me sensitive about our degrading environment – and weaves a Noah’s Ark like mission for a space trip. The readers are, however, left curious about many unanswered questions, like - do they succeed in finding a new planet? How was their journey in space? Does Dr. Sato find love? I do hope there is a sequel that joins the loose ends.
This book would engage adults who enjoy dwelling in the emotions and thoughts of characters. Readers may require a basic knowledge of the advancements occurring in science to understand some parts.
******
So Long Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
So Long Earth is a sci-fi novel written by Michael Bienenstock. Dr. Burns, an environmental scientist, observed that natural disasters were occurring at a higher frequency. He predicted that the disappearing island of Kiribati, flooding in Florida, and frequent firestorm in California was just the start of an array of disasters that would lead to the destruction of the Earth. To make things worse, the Trump administration refused to listen to their concerns, much less support them. Dr. Burn decided to take matters into his own hands. Along with scientists from Germany, Australia, and Russia, he planned to build four spaceships that could carry a thousand people each. They would then take undertake an unprecedented quest in space and find another planet where humanity could continue.
He estimated that by 2030 the end would be close. Will Dr. Burn and his crew be able to engineer the technology required for a spaceship in just ten years? Will Russia cooperate?
I was impressed at the factual correctness of the disasters mentioned. I particularly enjoyed the discussion related to cryopreservation and cloning. The officers did not know how long it would be before they reached a new planet. Hence, it became necessary to find ways to elongate life. Incidents with Epoh, the first human clone, caught my attention. Every scene related to him added a little more insight to his queer behavior. The political tension between America and Russia engaged me. The conflict caused by the president of Russia, Ivanov, was unexpected and quite intriguing. The book weaves many aspects that would come into play for such an endeavor.
I was disappointed, however, that the book described only the launch and not the entire journey through space. It was unexpected and felt incomplete. The book moved at a slow pace. Partly, because they spent a lot of time describing the emotions felt by the characters. Some of these emotions like anger for the Trump administration came up repeatedly. At these places, it felt as if the story moved one step forward, but then turned back two steps. It appeared that Dr. Sato had a romantic interest. But again, that part did not develop and was left hanging.
I will give this book 2 stars out of 4. The book made me sensitive about our degrading environment – and weaves a Noah’s Ark like mission for a space trip. The readers are, however, left curious about many unanswered questions, like - do they succeed in finding a new planet? How was their journey in space? Does Dr. Sato find love? I do hope there is a sequel that joins the loose ends.
This book would engage adults who enjoy dwelling in the emotions and thoughts of characters. Readers may require a basic knowledge of the advancements occurring in science to understand some parts.
******
So Long Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Opaque by Calix Leigh-Reign
