Vacuum Flowers by Michael Swanwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don't know whether it's Michael Swanwick or 80's lush SF in general, but this novel was a real treat. Visually and imaginatively dense, involved, and deep, it gives us a taste of living in a future that includes mini Dyson Spheres, a vast ecology of AIs (even more delicious in today's climate), and a clear Cyberpunk ethos that doesn't so much lean on punk as in its bio-social-technological implications. I always preferred that spin.

But more importantly, the novel gives us a great thread of themes based on integrity and desire--and it doesn't let us down in the slightest. You know, all those 'be careful what you wish for' threads.

I personally wish we could have more modern takes in the current SF trends that pull off worlds as rich as this, building ever more on the core themes while blowing us away with as rich SFnal worlds.

I feel blessed.

Sure, the focus on sex is, as always, a sign of the times, though less weird than the '70s breed of novels. But my honest opinion? It's mild. Certainly little in the way of chauvinism--and more in the spirit of the sexes finding their balance and/or moving on.

Either way, this novel was still a wonder to behold for anyone wanting to fall deep into their imaginations.

This book's synesthesia is a synthesis of hothouse plants and honest sweat, oddly enough.


Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to requests. Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.

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