Review by Sligobard -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
-
Sligobard
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 10 Jan 2018, 13:53
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 4
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sligobard.html
- Latest Review: The Warramunga's War by Greg Kater
Review by Sligobard -- Heaven and Earth by Arturo Riojas
[Following is a volunteer review of "Heaven and Earth" by Arturo Riojas.]
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Review of Heaven and Earth
3 out of 4 rating
This is actually two books in one from Arturo Riojas. A treatise on cadmium contamination of the environment with implications for the food supply and numerous health-related issues is sprinkled throughout the novel. Appearing at the end of each chapter these can be skipped since they do not advance the plot. They do, however, pick up on themes and subjects introduced in the chapter, providing important facts and information needed in the real world beyond the novel and for this reason should not be skipped.
The novel itself is a tale of Treretumian intrigue and an unauthorized retrieval operation for the sake of family honor. Roswell 1947 in New Mexico and present-day Area 51 in Nevada set the background. There is also intrigue involving U.S. government agencies that Olga, Gavilán and Nivla must navigate sometimes “traveling in a straight line” through dimensional wrinkles in the fabric of the cosmos. A sinister sub-plot involves microscopic Muimdac organisms working in unison to create “transforms” from unsuspecting hosts who were invaded one organ at a time.
To an extent the novel is bilingual with frequent dialogue in Spanish that is immediately followed by the English translation. The fact that all of the Spanish is translated is an indictment of English speakers in this country who should be able to comprehend at least some of it without help. Our English-speaking cousins to the north are much better with the language of their French-Canadian compatriots. How many languages do Europeans routinely understand?
On pg. 126 one of the characters brings up a misunderstanding possible in Spanish that is not obvious in English. “Va estar muy frío a la noche. Mete las gallinas y las matas.” The intended meaning is said to be from context: “It is going to be very cold tonight. Bring in the chickens and plants.” It is then pointed out that this can also mean: “Bring in the chickens and kill them.” Matas is not only the plural of mata (bush), it is also a conjugated form of the verb matar (to kill). Perhaps to avoid any possibility of misunderstanding it should have been: “Mete las matas y las gallinas.” All quite thought provoking on the role that language plays in shaping our perceptions of the world around us.
The cadmium treatise is disturbing and could give one nightmares since it is about real life and not a fantasy world. The part of this book that is a science fiction novel is an entertaining diversion and a good read. While the characters plot a course of action to deal with the Muimdac menace, there is even a reference to Captain Picard and the Borg. Great galaxy! Star Trek canon has now risen to the level that the Odyssey once held in the ancient classical world.
As with any work of human hands there are imperfections present. These are mostly related to proof reading slip ups. For example, on pg. 36 “… his family took an interest this good ol’ Georgia boy …” should be “interest in this.” There is also the issue with the climax coming a bit too soon leaving the overlong denouement to fade out in an extended whimper. Perhaps a sequel is coming.
******
Heaven and Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Sligobard's review? Post a comment saying so!
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Review of Heaven and Earth
3 out of 4 rating
This is actually two books in one from Arturo Riojas. A treatise on cadmium contamination of the environment with implications for the food supply and numerous health-related issues is sprinkled throughout the novel. Appearing at the end of each chapter these can be skipped since they do not advance the plot. They do, however, pick up on themes and subjects introduced in the chapter, providing important facts and information needed in the real world beyond the novel and for this reason should not be skipped.
The novel itself is a tale of Treretumian intrigue and an unauthorized retrieval operation for the sake of family honor. Roswell 1947 in New Mexico and present-day Area 51 in Nevada set the background. There is also intrigue involving U.S. government agencies that Olga, Gavilán and Nivla must navigate sometimes “traveling in a straight line” through dimensional wrinkles in the fabric of the cosmos. A sinister sub-plot involves microscopic Muimdac organisms working in unison to create “transforms” from unsuspecting hosts who were invaded one organ at a time.
To an extent the novel is bilingual with frequent dialogue in Spanish that is immediately followed by the English translation. The fact that all of the Spanish is translated is an indictment of English speakers in this country who should be able to comprehend at least some of it without help. Our English-speaking cousins to the north are much better with the language of their French-Canadian compatriots. How many languages do Europeans routinely understand?
On pg. 126 one of the characters brings up a misunderstanding possible in Spanish that is not obvious in English. “Va estar muy frío a la noche. Mete las gallinas y las matas.” The intended meaning is said to be from context: “It is going to be very cold tonight. Bring in the chickens and plants.” It is then pointed out that this can also mean: “Bring in the chickens and kill them.” Matas is not only the plural of mata (bush), it is also a conjugated form of the verb matar (to kill). Perhaps to avoid any possibility of misunderstanding it should have been: “Mete las matas y las gallinas.” All quite thought provoking on the role that language plays in shaping our perceptions of the world around us.
The cadmium treatise is disturbing and could give one nightmares since it is about real life and not a fantasy world. The part of this book that is a science fiction novel is an entertaining diversion and a good read. While the characters plot a course of action to deal with the Muimdac menace, there is even a reference to Captain Picard and the Borg. Great galaxy! Star Trek canon has now risen to the level that the Odyssey once held in the ancient classical world.
As with any work of human hands there are imperfections present. These are mostly related to proof reading slip ups. For example, on pg. 36 “… his family took an interest this good ol’ Georgia boy …” should be “interest in this.” There is also the issue with the climax coming a bit too soon leaving the overlong denouement to fade out in an extended whimper. Perhaps a sequel is coming.
******
Heaven and Earth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Sligobard's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: The Warramunga's War by Greg Kater
