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SF Masterworks #41-50
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#48 - Grass by Sheri S. Tepper
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Nov 05, 2009 07:48AM
What could be more commonplace than grass, or a world covered over all its surface with a wind-whipped ocean of grass? But the planet Grass conceals horrifying secrets within its endless pastures. And as an incurable plague attacks all inhabited planets but this one, the prairie-like Grass begins to reveal these secrets -- and nothing will ever be the same again . . .
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Tackling any one of the topics of religion, faith and politics is a risky business when writing any fictional work. Each of them offers something for people to stand by, to cling to when they feel challenged by others and ultimately to provide a solid base upon which to construct their own belief. In 'Grass' Sherri S. Tepper bravely utilises these themes to weave an amazing story set years in the future when man has spread his reach out into the stars.
With unflinching honesty, Tepper creates a most amazing world, a world of Grass where medieval estates hold an assumed superiority over the 'common' inhabitants of the planet. However, there is something bigger happening on Grass, bigger than the “Little Beings” than inhabit it realise. It is only with the arrival of outsiders, sent to unearth a cure for a universe wide plague, that the realities of what is happening on the isolated planet come to light.
Using the beliefs of Christianity as a guide, 'Grass' explores what it really means to be human – questioning why we follow our chosen beliefs and confronting our arrogant beliefs that we are the central race in the universe.
Superbly written and frighteningly real, Grass is one of the best novels I've read in a good while.
With unflinching honesty, Tepper creates a most amazing world, a world of Grass where medieval estates hold an assumed superiority over the 'common' inhabitants of the planet. However, there is something bigger happening on Grass, bigger than the “Little Beings” than inhabit it realise. It is only with the arrival of outsiders, sent to unearth a cure for a universe wide plague, that the realities of what is happening on the isolated planet come to light.
Using the beliefs of Christianity as a guide, 'Grass' explores what it really means to be human – questioning why we follow our chosen beliefs and confronting our arrogant beliefs that we are the central race in the universe.
Superbly written and frighteningly real, Grass is one of the best novels I've read in a good while.
I too really enjoyed the rich and detailed Grass, I loved the mystery of the planet, the puzzle of the plot that expertly weaves through the book introducing rich characters. I also enjoyed the realistic depictionss of the biology of the planet. The caste system was an interesting take, I would not of been unhappy for more detail in this area although it is not a criticism. Really glad I read the book it has been one of those books praised by many (I can now understand why) that sat on my shelve waiting to be read.
