Greg Bear (1951–2022)

4.5/5
A suspenseful and grotesque story that slowly unfolds itself into something with massive scope. Bear builds momentum in the story bit by bit, and then unleashes some really captivating moments and ideas. There were several twists that were memorable enough that I am sure they will stick to my brain for quite some time. Bear writes with a steady hand that draws you into the story. Characters are better than most within the science fiction genre for sure, but nothing to write home about. show more I think that the first 1/2 of the book was a little more compelling and exciting to read, but the second half sure does have it's moments too, especially considering the ideas that it touches upon (E.g. genetic memory, consciousness, & reality).
I think that some consider this to fall into the horror genre, but I don't know if I agree fully. Suspenseful? Sure. Body horror? Absolutely. But I don't think that the horror elements are really the focus. A stunner for sure, highly recommended.

I'm not sure if this is just an issue with my printing of the book, but there were an egregious amount of grammatical errors, so much so that they became distracting at points. Hoping to eventually get a different copy in my hands and see if it is better copy-edited. show less

Like I say about most Niven stuff: Utterly cool.: In the future, an antidepressant-pacified and docile humanity, (sound familiar? Look around), goes into massive culture shock when the first aliens they meet don't even attempt contact, but only try to kill them from the getgo. Once again, utterly cool, and I agree with the message I think that is embedded in these stories: Don't get TOO comfortable in peacetime, and DON'T start believing that you're safe, or it'll come back around again and show more get you!!! WWI, the war to end all wars!!!!???? WWII anybody? It'll happen again and again, as Niven nimbly demonstrates. Plus the Kzinti themselves are vastly interesting creatures, because you have to wonder how a society based solely on violence and dominance rituals remains stable enough to conquer space, and then keep it. Read it. show less

Darwin's Radio is the novel most firmly-based on modern science that I've ever read which puts forth a theory on how evolution to man may have occurred. Greg Bear's acknowledgements in the back credit conversations with numerous scientists. I was in molecular biology in grad school, and I was amazed at the advanced level of knowledge shown in this book. How can an author gain such an informed knowledge of such a difficult subject without becoming a molecular biologist himself? But Greg Bear show more did it, to write this book.
The theory Greg Bear puts forth is not supported as "the truth" by the scientists he talked to, he says; but it is a fascinating supposition, and the scientific details are valid and the theory consistent with knowledge at the time of publication.
Besides having my mind opened to a remarkable interpretation of biological science to explain how evolution may occur in leaps and bounds rather than in one tiny incremental change in some one individual at a time, I was amazed at the skill with which the author wove the science into the text so as to allow the characters who live the story to live and breath as very real and sympathetic people. There is no subverting of characterization in the interest of scientific or technological exposition, which is something that commonly turns me off in science fiction. A good book has to be about people under stress with serious problems to solve, and Darwin's Radio is certainly this! I found most of the characters to be written with great imagination and understanding of human nature.
This SF novel is unique in my reading experience in its treatment of current progress in biotechnology as the means to understand the evolution of mankind rather than a poorly understood excuse for all sorts of imagined future physical enhancements. If the book has a drawback - which I have to admit it does - it is that the science is so truly a part of the book that people without any college courses in biology or genetics would probably find it difficult. My brother, an engineer but without the biology background, did. The author added a glossary to the back of the book, but it's probably not enough to make it easy to read. But there's nothing wrong in learning some actual facts while you lose yourself in this fascinating book!
The novel was awarded the Nebula Award for Best Novel after it came out. I found it mind-blowing, and in my opinion this book should be recognized as one of the best ten works of science fiction of all time. show less

Possibly the best exploration of journeying into the consciousness and memories of another. Gorgeous but boring movie "The Cell" used the idea - this is what that should have been. Also excellent consideration (from the viewpoints of multiple characters, and an evolving A.I.) of what consciousness and self-awareness really mean. Very well thought out future society, including an interesting solution to the pervasive surveillance problem. And on top of all that, a really cool take on Voudoun show more mythology! show less