Grass (edition 1989)

...I do see a few problems with Grass but on the whole it is a fascinating read. There is so much in the way of social, religious and scientific ideas stuffed into this novel that the scope of it is comparable with some of the most ambitious works in science fiction. I felt the execution is not quite good enough to name it a great work of science fiction but it is not far off. The novel is essentially one big puzzle and examining the pieces is enough to keep a science fiction fan reading. It’s not often that one finds a science fiction novel that has taking in so many aspects of human life and manages to weave them into a satisfying plot. The novel may have its imperfections but for me it included so many things I like to see in a good science fiction novel that is was an irresistible read anyway. Opinions will likely be divided on this novel but I would recommend it.

Full Random Comments review ( )

I'd've given it more stars but for the ending. It was trite, over-tidy, and somewhat saccharine. Aside from that, it was a very flawed story but a good read.

I would like some healthy relationships from Tepper sometime soon. ( )

Too many strange concepts and terms thrown at the reader in the beginning. I learned more about this book from the reviews posted here. Hard to follow. ( )

It is a trope in science fiction to have far-future humans colonize alien worlds and then cut ties with Earth. This enables the story to be told on an alien planet but with familiar, human characters. Here, the planet is Grass, which is covered entirely with grass and peopled by two groups of humans: the aristocracy, who live on estancias out in the grass and do little but participate in mysterious, dangerous Hunts; and the working classes, who live in the planet’s only town and spaceport, where they are protected by the swamp forest that surrounds the town. To this world come an ambassador family from Earth, on a secret mission to find the cure to a plague that threatens all of humanity, which sets the plot in motion.

Tepper has built an intriguing, complex and sinister world in Grass, and a lot of the suspense of the novel is in learning about the planet’s native species and discovering the true nature of the Hunts. But some of the secrets, when revealed, strained my disbelief. All in all, this is an entertaining (if long) story, a worthwhile reading that could probably have used a little more editing and focus.

Read because I like the author (2010). ( )

Sheri S. Tepper's Grass, the first in the Arbai trilogy, is nothing short of amazing. We are given a multi-layered story that keeps true to the science fiction and fantasy genres while managing to create something completely new and fresh, which is no easy task. I was so engrossed in the book that I read the last 250 pages or so during one day. It's just that good.

Full review: http://libwen.wordpress.com/2011/01/24/grass-by-sheri-s-tepper/ ( )