This job is never dull. Just when I think I have reviewed every conceivable type of novel, a new book comes along to remind me that literature encompasses myriad genres. The first straightforward science fiction book I have read for this paper, “Arkwright” is a refreshing, entertaining introduction to that particular genre.
Allen Steele of Whately is a former journalist who now makes his living as a sci-fi writer. His new novel “Arkwright” shows off his knowledge of science, as well as his grasp of the history of science fiction.
The story opens on the deathbed of elderly Nathan Arkwright early in the 21st century. Arkwright, we soon learn, was an early fan and writer of science fiction. His popular “Galaxy Patrol” series encompassed not just books, but also radio shows, comic strips, television programs and motion pictures.
Upon Arkwright’s death, his granddaughter, Kate, learns that all of his savings and future royalties have been funneled into an organization called the Arkwright Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to allow its creator to live up to his surname.
Convinced that humankind will not be able to survive too much longer on the planet Earth, Arkwright wants to create a vessel (in his case a spaceship rather than Noah’s plain old boat) that will carry human embryos into space to be hatched and nurtured on a compatible planet many light years away.
The embryos will be developed from the eggs and sperm of Arkwright, his best friends and colleagues, and other interested individuals.
“Arkwright” moves on from Kate’s story to tales of her son, her grandson, her great-granddaughter and generations beyond. Each new Arkwright moves the narrative forward and brings Nathan Arkwright’s vision closer to completion.
“Arkwright” is uneven in spots. Some of the sections chronicling the involvement of the various generations in the project seem a bit cursor. In particular, the author moves through the lives and romances of Kate’s son and daughter-in-law a little too quickly.
Nevertheless, the book offers many imaginative and clever passages. The Arkwright space-colonization project is subject to market and political forces that will ring true to observers of corporations and Washington.
In general, the author makes the reader care about the Arkwright family, particularly Dhani, Nathan Arkwright’s great-great-granddaughter. Born in 2070, Dhani grows up ambivalent about her family’s fixation on space travel and Nathan’s legacy.
Her story cements the reader’s interest and propels the book and the family on toward their extraordinary destination.
Allen Steele will sign copies of “Arkwright” on Saturday, March 12, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the World Eye Bookshop in Greenfield.
Tinky Weisblat is the author of “The Pudding Hollow Cookbook” and “Pulling Taffy.” Visit her website:
www.TinkyCooks.com