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Saint Leibowitz and the wild horse woman -
Walter M. Miller, Jr.
Contributor biographical information
Publisher description
Sample text
New York : Bantam Books, 1997.
434 p. : map ; 25 cm.
Reviews:
- Libby Bergstrom (VOYA, April 1998 (Vol. 21, No. 1))
Those looking for a sequel to Miller's 1959 classic, A Canticle for Leibowitz (Lippincott, 1960, (c)1959), might be disappointed. This story takes place in the 3240s A.D., placing it chronologically in the middle of Miller's first novel. Rather than telling readers what happened after A Canticle, Miller goes back to fill in details about the post-apocalyptic world he created in the first book. This story follows a young nomadic monk, Brother Blacktooth, who finds himself in the service of Cardinal Brownpony. He becomes somewhat unwillingly involved in Brownpony's plot to overthrow the Texarkanians. Blacktooth is alternately fascinated and repelled by Brownpony, who eventually becomes a most worldly pope. Blacktooth is also fascinated with Aedrea, the beautiful but forbidden mutant who teases him into breaking his vow of chastity. Blacktooth struggles to reconcile his call to serve God with his love for Aedrea, as well as the ties he feels to the beliefs of his nomadic ancestors. Though the military plans of Brownpony go awry, and the world is once again plunging into a dark age, Blacktooth ultimately finds peace as a hermit and teacher in the Valley of the Misborn. Miller spends much of the book describing the cultures and political alliances of the thirty-third century. He also struggles with philosophical and religious issues, and this is the book's weakenss. Individual characters are lost on this large canvas. They fail to fully come to life, and at times the sheer number of people to follow is confusing. Transitions in focus from Blacktooth to larger events can be jarring, perhaps in part because the book was not finished when Miller committed suicide in 1996. The book itself never indicates that Miller died, although a brief note states that the estate of Walter M. Miller, Jr. thanks Terry Bisson for his editorial contributions to the book. Not living up to the promise of his first book, this one might appeal to mature readers interested in political and religious questions, as well as those who have read A Canticle and want to know more about Miller's vision of the future. VOYA CODES: 3Q 2P S (Readable without serious defects; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 1997, Bantam, 448p., $23.95. Ages 15 to 18. Subjects:
- Mysticism--Fiction.
Monasticism and religious orders--Fiction.
Fantastic fiction.
| Language | Call Number | LCCN | Dewey Decimal | ISBN/ISSN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English (eng) | PS3563.I4215 S25 1997 |
97003181 |
813/.54 |
0553107046 9780553107043 |