R. J. Astruc

I'm really struggling to write this review, but it's for all the right reasons. First of all, it's hard to describe this book without giving away too much about the concept. The way the stories are arranged reveal the world and its peculiarities slowly and sparingly and I don't want to spoil that. It's a collection of more or less interconnecting short stories set somewhere in the future on our planet and the sci-fi aspect comes from the futuristic stuff - I'll leave it at that.
Secondly, as show more a reading experience this was startling and fresh in a way I clearly needed because it seems to somewhat elude my reviewing mold!
The world and the characters are harsh and believable and the stories truly captivating. Basically every character here is an antagonist, yet they are fully fledged and fascinating. My favourite among the stories is the first one, "Propagation" - it would easily stand on it's own just as well. Many of the others work particularly well within the collection's context and continuity but would probably be a bit frustrating to read on their own. Even now, as a whole, they definitely make you wonder about how things ended up the way they are and leave you hungry for more stories from this place. show less

I picked up the e-version of this book on a whim, when I was loading up my iPhone to go on vacation. What a great choice! The book is definitely quirky, but fun, involving, and a great mystery as well. It held a (somewhat dark) echo of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, without being the least bit derivative (and from me, that's high praise indeed). I'd never heard of this author before but will definitely look for more.

Signs over the Pacific and Other Stories [Review]
RJ Astruc’s collection of short but thematically linked stories offers an insight into an ‘other world’. This world is familiar; but, it is also incredibly new. We are first introduced to this world through the story of AI capabilities; it is a story that sets up the expectations for what is to come. Technology and humanity are counterpoised, which lends to the familiarity in our current relationship with technologies. We are led through show more stories in which the biological and the technological are always on the borderline between friend and terrorist. This looming threat of terrorism overshadows many of the stories. The question the reader is left with is how that terrorism might be affected.
This collection has so many endearing elements I fear I will not be able to do them justice here. The stories interweave so well that it can be read like a novel, but they are also different in big and small ways that create more than enough interest to keep on reading. I was up till 6am this morning completely captivated by the themes and excellent continuity of the stories. These themes are sometimes deep, metaphysical, existential – generally philosophical; but, they are measured by wry and observant humour. Nothing is left in the ether; this is one of the most satisfying short story collections I’ve ever read. show less

Rachel Astruc’s style reminded me of the days when all I wanted to read was Harlan Ellison. They both have a powerful, opinionated and somewhat dour outlook on mankind’s future. I was married to a native New Zealander and lived in NZ and Australia for several years. Rachel’s vision of aerial communities crisscrossing the Pacific brought back many fond memories of my times there. Her stories are engrossing and urban, with the narration bringing you right into the pages. She uses humor show more to bring her AI characters to life and engage the reader with their lives. I look forward to reading more from her. show less