Title: River of Gods
Author: Ian McDonald
First published June 7, 2004
597 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781591024361 (ISBN10: 1591024366)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
In a futuristic India on the brink of its centenary, a gangster, a politician, a scientist, a journalist, a stand-up comic, a set designer, a cop, his wife, and a dropout are all going about their daily lives. Meanwhile, Aj, a waif with the ability to read minds and predict the future, encounters a man who desperately wants to remain hidden.
As their paths intertwine, they find themselves at the center of a battle that will determine the fate of the nation. In River of Gods, Ian McDonald masterfully weaves together the diverse and vibrant cultures of a country teeming with over a billion people and nine million gods.
Betrayal, love, and war all play a part as the mighty Ganges river flows onward, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of a nation. This is the epic novel that captures the heart and soul of India in the new millennium.
About the Author
Ian Neil McDonald was born in Manchester, England in 1960. His mother was Irish and his father Scottish.
In 1965, his family moved to Northern Ireland where he spent much of his childhood. He used to reside in a house that was built in the backyard of C.S. Lewis’s childhood home.
However, he now lives in central Belfast where he enjoys pursuing his interests such as cats, contemplative religion, bonsai, bicycles, and comic-book collecting.
In 1982, Ian debuted with his short story “The Island of the Dead” in a British magazine called Extro, which was short-lived. His first novel, Desolation Road, was published in 1988.
He has since written several other works including King of Morning, Queen of Day, which won the Philip K. Dick Award, and River of Gods and The Dervish House, both of which won British Science Fiction Association Awards.
He has also written a graphic novel called Kling Klang Klatch and many more.
His most recent publications are Planesrunner and Be My Enemy, which are books one and two of the Everness series for younger readers. However, older readers will also find these books to be a lot of fun.
Ian worked in television development for sixteen years but is now happy to be back to writing full-time.
Editoral Review
Ian McDonald’s River of Gods is a remarkable novel that blends science fiction and cultural commentary to create a rich and immersive reading experience. The novel, first published on June 7, 2004, explores the potential impact of technology on a society in the not-too-distant future while also examining the cultural and political complexities of India.
The story is set in a futuristic India, in the year 2047, on the eve of the country’s centennial. India is a complex and divided society, with multiple religions, languages, and ethnic groups.
But in this future version of India, there are also new divisions, with the emergence of artificial intelligences, genetically engineered humans, and new technologies that blur the boundaries between humanity and machine.
The plot of River of Gods follows several characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. There is Vishram Ray, a Brahmin scientist who creates a new type of artificial intelligence; a journalist named Lisa Durnau, who is investigating a political scandal; and a young man named Tal, who is caught up in a dangerous plot involving a powerful gangster.
Along the way, the characters confront issues of identity, power, and morality as they navigate the changing landscape of their society.
One of the strengths of River of Gods is its detailed world-building. McDonald creates a vivid and believable future India, with its own slang, technology, and cultural norms.
The novel is also steeped in Indian mythology and history, which adds depth and resonance to the story.
Another strength of the novel is its complex characters. McDonald does an excellent job of creating characters who are flawed, contradictory, and ultimately human.
Each character has their own motivations and desires, and their stories are compelling and engaging.
The pacing of River of Gods is also impressive. McDonald weaves together multiple plot threads and keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The novel moves at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and suspense.
One of the few weaknesses of the novel is that it can be overwhelming at times. There are many characters, plot threads, and cultural references to keep track of, which can be challenging for some readers.
Additionally, some of the themes and ideas in the novel are complex and may require multiple readings to fully appreciate.
Overall, River of Gods is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that blends science fiction and cultural commentary in a unique and compelling way. It is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of technology and society.
I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5
