Hyperion

Rating:
Summary: Simmons is a literary master
Review: The HYPERION CANTOS is one of the crowning achievements of 20th century science fiction. It is on a par equal to or surpassing the DUNE CHRONICLES in terms of originality, scope, and layers of meaning. The sacrifice of Aenea is one of the most moving passages of literature I have read, and one of the few that have left me in tears. Simmons literary references are unique, refreshing, and anything but pedantic, as many reviewers here would lead you to believe. Many "scholars" that debunk science fiction do so because they argue it lacks any literary merit. Simmons is not attempting to show off his knowledge of the classics; he is alluding to them in an attempt to address the same fundamental issues in a new and original light. That is the strength of speculative fiction, and Simmons is an author that gives fans of science fiction one of their greatest weapons in defending a genre that is dismissed far too often. What could be more fundamental than addressing the power of love? In the end that is one of the many questions that the CANTOS is asking us to consider. You don't need to have read every, or any, classic that Simmons alludes to in order to enjoy the CANTOS, but if you are a fan of English literature they will enhance your enjoyment of the novel, and maybe, just maybe pique your interest enough to go back to the source material. Simmons is one of the best contemporary authors writing today. Pick up HYPERION and discover the amazing talents of a writer that truly cares about his art; you won't be disappointed.