Quote:
Originally Posted by issybird
I'd even be willing to argue that Smith was subverting the subversive. In the end, a life of drinking and sex and general carousing without limitation staled, to the point that existence as statues was seen as preferable. Maybe Smith was advocating a life with purpose instead of the mindless pursuit of pleasure? Hunter Hawk was arguably happier and more fulfilled while pursuing his end, rather than after he succeeded with his invention. Otherwise, I'd say that it's the ultimate in nihilism, where even the gods find existence meaningless.
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I really like the idea of "subverting the subversive". After all the Gods are idiotic and irresponsible. They can hardly be seen as moral, intellectual, emotional, or social exemplars! At the same time, their opposites--Hawk's family--don't offer much either. In fact, there is a current of nihilistic pessimism running through the novel.
Speaking more generally, I find the writing variable in quality. Often Smith is wickedly funny but just as often the humour is laboured--even tiresome. He reminds me most of Oscar Wilde though never quite matching the consistent brilliance of the latter.