I do not think it possible for Robert Sawyer to write a novel that does not captivate from beginning to end; that catapults the reader onward with the propulsive force of literary munitions. The use of this metaphor becomes self-evident once the reader engages the exquisitely researched novel you will ultimately hold in your hands.
I have never read a Robert Sawyer novel that was not well and thoroughly researched, and this one is no exception. Sawyer has immersed himself in a world of physics that, for the most part, constitutes language and concepts conceived only by the privileged few; Nobel prizes demonstrate the recognition of these forward thinkers. One can only feel deference and awe at what has been generated by the minds of these physicists. Oppenheimer was no exception. What marvels me is that Sawyer was able to digest these lofty concepts and render them (to the reader who may not be versed in physics) in a way that makes them comprehensible. The physics was made even more believable, with Sawyer's ability to blend the fictional aspect with a seamless, effortless perspective, which appears to be rooted in reality.
The other enormous task lay in the character profile associated with the principal scientists at Los Alamos. Sawyer captures the intensity of cooperation and conflict between some of the brilliant minds and obstinate resolve that defines might and right! The military's bulldozer approach, the mistrust, the ideas of spies, Communism, loyalty among nations, friends and family are all dealt with in a delicate yet compelling manner. Oppenheimer sadly finds himself in the proverbial position between the rock and the hard place; the reader sympathizes with his tortured soul. It's hard to do the right thing all the time; somethings always remain contested. We share a glimpse at an America that was suffering growing pains and yet trying to find its voice in national as well as international politics. A tumultuous time for both science and politics. For Oppenheimer, the tumult eventually results in the wrath and disdain of Harry S. Truman. Science and politics make strange bedfellows.
I do not think it possible for Robert Sawyer to write a novel that does not captivate from beginning to end; that catapults the reader onward with the propulsive force of literary munitions. The use of this metaphor becomes self-evident once the reader engages the exquisitely researched novel you will ultimately hold in your hands.
I have never read a Robert Sawyer novel that was not well and thoroughly researched, and this one is no exception. Sawyer has immersed himself in a world of physics that, for the most part, constitutes language and concepts conceived only by the privileged few; Nobel prizes demonstrate the recognition of these forward thinkers. One can only feel deference and awe at what has been generated by the minds of these physicists. Oppenheimer was no exception. What marvels me is that Sawyer was able to digest these lofty concepts and render them (to the reader who may not be versed in physics) in a way that makes them comprehensible. The physics was made even more believable, with Sawyer's ability to blend the fictional aspect with a seamless, effortless perspective, which appears to be rooted in reality.
The other enormous task lay in the character profile associated with the principal scientists at Los Alamos. Sawyer captures the intensity of cooperation and conflict between some of the brilliant minds and obstinate resolve that defines might and right! The military's bulldozer approach, the mistrust, the ideas of spies, Communism, loyalty among nations, friends and family are all dealt with in a delicate yet compelling manner. Oppenheimer sadly finds himself in the proverbial position between the rock and the hard place; the reader sympathizes with his tortured soul. It's hard to do the right thing all the time; somethings always remain contested. We share a glimpse at an America that was suffering growing pains and yet trying to find its voice in national as well as international politics. A tumultuous time for both science and politics. For Oppenheimer, the tumult eventually results in the wrath and disdain of Harry S. Truman. Science and politics make strange bedfellows.
An esoteric aspect of the work conducted at Los Alamos was the recruitment of scientists via "Operation Paperclip"; this may be a subject readers may want to pursue at their leisure. Controversy surrounds this subject to this day.
Robert Sawyer has brilliantly tapped into the verbal choreography usually associated with trials and hearings, not since Illegal Aliens have I enjoyed such sparring. Oppenheimer seems to get in a few good shots!
For me, one of the most appealing aspects of Mr. Saywer's writing is his overpowering artistic, subduing use of metaphors. Of the many that I encountered in his book, these two were especially outstanding: "There was a crème brûlée crust of snow over the frozen mud" and "Ashley Pond was frozen, a giant cataract-covered eye staring heavenward." These two literary jewels appear on page 57. In keeping with the artistic theme, pay attention to the references concerning Casablanca (the film).
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel in its historical aspect, as well as it's a bold and innovative approach to an alternative account of past events. The twist was not only plausible but from what we know about our solar system: believable. I remember being present at a lecture where Sawyer not only thrilled the audience with the news of this novel but also championed the concept by reading a chapter from his upcoming book. Sawyer orates, as well as he writes.
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