Title: West of Eden
Author: Harry Harrison
First published January 1, 1984
483 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743487184 (ISBN10: 0743487184)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
Sixty-five million years ago, a catastrophic event almost wiped out all life on Earth. But what if the outcome had been different?
What if the dinosaurs had survived and evolved into intelligent beings? In Harry Harrison’s West of Eden, explore a world where humans must coexist with the descendants of the giant reptiles.
Follow the journey of Kerrick, a young hunter who learns to adapt to this new world and eventually becomes the leader of the human clan. However, his knowledge of dinosaur customs makes him their greatest enemy.
This epic saga of love, bravery, and hope is a must-read for fans of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Immerse yourself in this majestic and wondrous tale of survival and evolution.
Editoral Review
West of Eden by Harry Harrison A Review
Harry Harrisons West of Eden, a novel first published in 1984, is an impressive and highly imaginative work of science fiction that takes readers on a journey to a world vastly different from our own. Set in an alternative version of Earth, the novel explores the possibility of what would have happened if dinosaurs had not gone extinct millions of years ago but had continued to evolve and dominate the planet alongside humans.
Harrison is a well-known science fiction writer, famous for his acclaimed science fiction series, The Stainless Steel Rat. In West of Eden, he creates a fascinating alternative universe where reptilian humanoid creatures known as Yilanees rule the world, and humans live as their slaves or in small groups fighting to survive in the wilderness.
The novel follows the story of Kerrick, a young man who defies the Yilanees’ dominance and sets out on a dangerous journey to find a way to liberate humanity from their oppressors. Along the way, he encounters unexpected allies, treacherous enemies, and mysterious ancient artifacts that hold the key to his mission’s success.
Harrisons vivid descriptions of the world and the creatures inhabiting it are breathtaking, and his attention to detail is impeccable. The characters are well-drawn, and the conflicts they face are engaging and thought-provoking.
The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the reader hooked from the start. The themes of the novel explore issues of power, oppression, and liberation.
Still, they are also relevant today, given the current political landscape and the rise of authoritarianism in many countries worldwide. The novel makes readers question the consequences of allowing a group to hoard power and the struggle for those who want to gain their freedom.
Despite the novels impressive qualities, it has a few flaws that impact its overall quality. The pacing slows significantly in some sections, making it difficult for readers to remain engaged.
The character development is uneven, and some characters feel one-dimensional. In comparison to Harrison’s more famous work, The Stainless Steel Rat, West of Eden is a darker, more serious work with a more complex, politically motivated story.
It still retains the author’s trademark humor, but it is more subdued in this work. Overall, West of Eden is a challenging and compelling work of science fiction that will resonate with readers interested in stories that explore contemporary issues through an alternative history.
While it has some flaws, they don’t detract from the overall experience, and the novel’s strengths make it an enjoyable read. The book is recommended for readers seeking a well-paced, intriguing story with complex characters and thoughtful themes.
Score: 7/10
