The novel was difficult to read. A mystery grown not just from the plot's conspiracy, but enhanced by the many layers of lies, perceptions, and innuendo from the characters. Sometimes, I found myself more than a little confused, but putting together the bits and pieces was more than half the fun of this impressive novel. Heavy topics like Hegel's philosophy and deep discussions of motive and method were interspersed with horseback chases, gunfights and hot romance. Really, the only unbelievable portion of this fantasy was the reliability of the postal system!
Freedom & Necessity wasn't just an interesting read, it was a work of art. Take a moment to read this excerpt for a quick look at the style of this wonderful novel. The character's style was unique. The authors employed beautiful imagery and a wonderful sense of flow. The words and phrases were oftentimes brilliant. If I must find criticism it can only fall on the character's uncanny ability to understand their fellow's motives. Freedom & Necessity is not your typical Tolkeinian fantasy, if that's what you are looking for you will be disappointed. Rather, it is a historical novel which successfully relates the philosophy of Hegel in life and history.
About the Book
Freedom & Necessity copyright 1997 by Steven Brust and Emma Bull
ISBN 0-812-56261-5
a TOR book published by Tom Doherty Associates, New York, NY.
Sites of Interest
- Mining Company's C. Corey Fisk's review of Freedom & Necessity and an interview with Steven Brust
- John J. Reilly review
- Evelyn C. Leeper review
- Karl Henriksson review
- Christina M. Schulman review
- Steven Brust homepage
- Emma Bull biography
- Marxist Philosophy Texts
- Freedom and Necessity From Chapter XI. Of "Anti-Duhring"
Check out my booklist for a list of books I have recently read and plan to review.
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