Hyperion by Dan Simmons

 Finished Hyperion by Dan Simmons. I have mixed feelings about it. He presents a wonderfully troubling vision of the future, with humanity clearly having screwed the pooch. The intertwined narratives move a-pace but I’m pretty sure a good portion of Simmons’ intention dashed precipitously past my register. Rereading would be worthwhile if I had the energy.

Six main characters tell, in their own narratives, why they joined this pilgrimage to the so-called God of Pain. We only see this figure, known as The Shrike, in glints. It seems like The Shrike represents the natural endgame to humanity’s hubris. The Earth, centuries prior, has been destroyed. A hegira from the planet of origin spread restlessly across the universe in a seeming de-evolutionary scramble. War is constant, and massive.

Each narrative explains how the character joined this pilgrimage, which only one of their number is expected to survive. The narratives run to goodly length. Supposedly the pilgrims are telling their stories to the others. Okay, Canterbury Tales, The Decameron. These narratives, however compelling, resemble (not so) short stories rather than après dinerperformances intended to show each pilgrim’s motivations. Simmons did not try to replicate how the characters might regale the others. Perhaps that would have been unwieldy. I found it jarring to expect characters to be so narratively skilled in a literary way.

Although the narratives supply plenty back story, they also overwhelm with superfluities. I tended to lose track of the greater narrative amidst the details of the personal stories.

The book seemed overlong tho not in a dragging sort of way. It ended quietly, and for me without satisfaction. For all the apocalypso of humanity’s seeming last gasp, the books end with the characters singing “We’re off to see the Wizard”. I discerned no denouement, just coasting to a stop. The story seems unfinished but admittedly I raced to finish.

Not to worry, I guess. Three more books fulfill the series. I am on record about franchises. I don’t expect to press on. 

Simmons refers and alludes to a number of literary figures and works. Most notably John Keats. The poet even appears in AI form. One character, a hard boiled detective, carries the name Brawne Lamia. She and the Keats AI splice romantically. I don’t actually get what Simmons is up to but I appreciate Keats’ presence.