Title: Forty Signs of Rain
Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
First published January 5, 2004
358 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780553803112 (ISBN10: 0553803115)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Nicholas Carr, the best-selling author of The Big Switch, is back with a thought-provoking book that delves into the impact of technology on our brains. In this age of information overload, are we losing our ability to think deeply and read with concentration?
Carr’s book throws light on this pertinent question and explores how the internet is shaping our minds. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, and history, he weaves together a compelling narrative that shows how the internet is rewiring our brains and changing the way we think.
With gripping insights that challenge our assumptions about technology and its effect on our intellectual and cultural lives, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the impact of the internet on our minds.
About the Author
Kim Stanley Robinson, an American science fiction author, gained fame for his award-winning Mars trilogy. His writing explores ecological and sociological themes, often stemming from his personal scientific interests.
For instance, his lifelong fascination with Mars led to 15 years of research and culminated in his most renowned work. His passion for the planet even led him to join the Mars Society.
Critics have labeled Robinson’s writing as “literary science fiction”.
Editoral Review
Kim Stanley Robinson’s Forty Signs of Rain is a gripping fiction novel that focuses on climate change and its impact on society. Robinson is a renowned science-fiction author who has received numerous awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, and Prometheus awards.
The novel follows a group of characters, including Anna Quibler, a science-policy researcher, her husband Charlie, a Washington bureaucrat, and Frank Vanderwal, a climate scientist. They are all set in Washington, D.C., where they are confronted with the harsh realities of climate change, including rising sea levels and changing weather patterns.
The characters are well-developed, complex, and relatable, and the author does an excellent job of presenting a realistic portrayal of life in D.C. Robinson’s writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it easy for the reader to become wholly immersed in the story. The novel’s exploration of climate change is incredibly timely and relevant, considering the current global climate emergency.
It effectively highlights the urgent need for action and the consequences of inaction. Robinson masterfully weaves together science and fiction, to present a compelling story that not only entertains but also educates.
One of the strengths of Forty Signs of Rain is its focus on the human aspects of climate change, presenting the issue beyond merely a scientific or environmental one. Although the book is from 2004, it touches on pressing issues that are still relevant today.
However, the pacing of the novel is at times slow and uneven, which can make it challenging to maintain the reader’s interest. The political setting could also be a turn-off to some readers, even though it is necessary for the story.
Overall, Forty Signs of Rain is a thought-provoking and relevant novel that explores the harsh realities of climate change through a captivating and engaging storyline. Fans of science-fiction and anyone with an interest in climate change should read this book.
It earns a rating of 4 out of 5, as it is one of Robinson’s most original and engaging works.
