A review of The LENS and the LOOKER by Alex of Fantastical Book Reviews

I was beyond impressed with The Lens and the Looker. Kaufman did a wonderful job setting up the world of his story and creating dynamic characters. His writing really made the book what it is. Kaufman puts you in the story with ease through the language he uses; his style isn’t what one would categorize as pedantic, but it does set the mood beautifully. Because the story takes place in Verona, Italy, you get a sense of the Italian language when he throws in a few words or when he uses words that were common from a time period of the past.

My favorite thing about this novel was probably how well Kaufman managed to integrate all the minute parts of his story. There really was something for everyone (adventure, suspense, romance…) without any one aspect taking over.

The characters in The Lens and the Looker were very easy for me to relate to. For the most part, they were down to earth and interesting.

Shamira was my favorite. She has so many talents and she really seemed to accept her new circumstances. I loved how strong of a character she was. Throughout the novel, Shamira is one person that all of the others can count on. Even though she is from the 24th century, she fits in well with the 14th century just as well. Plus, who wouldn’t want her amazing artistic skills?

Lincoln and Hansum were great too. Lincoln was absolutely hilarious! I loved how he thought everything was “Zippy!” Hansum was cool because he was kind of the big brother sort. He, Lincoln, and Shamira weren’t actually siblings, but Hansum did treat them as if they were some of the most important people in his life.

By the end of the novel, all of the characters really grew into themselves. The Master was far deeper than he seemed at first (and far more of a softy than he liked to show). Guilietta proved that she wasn’t just another pretty face. She was a great character. I loved her because of how caring she was.

Mr. Kaufman is a Master Writer. He created a lovely cast of characters that just felt so… human. I have no doubt that The Bronze and the Brimstone will be a fabulous read as well!

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To Read Alex’s review of The BRONZE and the BRIMSTONE, plus many other reviews of both books, click on the REVIEWS tab of this site.

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH ROBERT J. SAWYER

I had the privilege and fun of attending several lectures and readings by Robert J. Sawyer at the recent Kingston Ontario’s Writers Festival. He’s the author of twenty-one science fiction novels (including FlashForward, now a TV program) and winner of so many writing awards, it boggles the mind. But that’s not what moved me to write this little blog. Although I am impressed with these honors, so many people have heaped praise upon him I wouldn’t be adding anything new.

What I do want to comment on was how the content of one of his lectures helped me crystallize some philosophical thoughts as to how futuristic writing and science fiction fits into the greater scheme of things in the world of literature and culture. It’s something I’ve been thinking about as I’m finishing the last book of my futuristic History Camp trilogy. The clarified thoughts go like this:

For the most part, contemporary fiction reflects back to society where it is now and where it came from.

Science fiction, on the other hand, has the unique job of reflecting, not only where we are in society now, but also where we’re going with all the amazing technology we’re developing. Sure, there’s lots of schlock SF out there, but that’s the same with any category of any art form. But work, such as I see Mr. Sawyer’s, (and hopefully mine) is part of an important societal discourse about where we, as a species, is heading. Sure, sure, the writing has to be entertaining and must not preach overtly, otherwise you might as well write a polemic. And I concede that many people just don’t want to think and only be entertained. The really good stuff, like Robert J. Sawyer’s, can be read just as escapism. But then the joke is on the reader. Without knowing it, and against their will, they’ve learned something and been made to think.
I try to emulate that quality in my writing, integrating ideas into an exciting and entertaining adventure. Thank you Mr. Sawyer for leading the way.