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6/29/2017
On the last page of the book, Brunner calls this a non-novel. That pretty much sums it up if you just extend that phrase to everything that a novel should be. Not worth the time to re-read, which would be required if you want any true understanding. The problem is that the book is too disjointed and schizophrenic in structure to allow for any enjoyment. Get the plot synopsis, save the headache and 500+ pages of idiotic format, and move on.
There is something to be said for an author's style, and this is one that I would submit as an examle of how NOT to write a novel, sci-fi or otherwise. Brunner's attempt to stand out and be unique works for him in spades.....but in the wrong way.
I'm dumbfounded at the Hugo award here (which was why I picked it up). It almost seems like it was given because the voting panel wanted it to be good so badly based on Brunner's ideas of an overpopulated future society and his "non-novel" approach.