elainegrey

I found only two Tiptree award winners at Audible, both by men.

The first novel i listened to was _The Knife of Never Letting Go_, by Patrick Ness. I would recommend this book even to someone who wasn't looking for science fiction, but was interested in a suspenseful coming of age book, and who might be intrigued by the way gender and Christian fundamentalism, the stress of survival, war crimes and complicity. The first handful of chapters had me wondering why this book was recognized for examining gender, but eventually the treatment became clear. Listening to the book, written as a present tense, first person narrative by the protagonist was fascinating. Given the suspense and the incessant running of the characters it was much better to listen to on the treadmill at the hotel instead of trying to settle before sleep. The physical stamina of the protagonist and partner did lead to occasional moments of disbelief, but it was matched by the horrific persistence of the antagonist.

I found the book incredibly captivating and loved it to the moment when the narrator intoned the cursed words "end of book one" leaving me on a narrative knife edge. I didn't think to check and see if "The Ask and the Answer" was on Audible: i wish i had. (The last two books are available.)

The second novel i listened to was _Camouflage_, by Joe Haldeman. Like this reviewer i did not find the treatment of gender to be in any way compelling. Unlike the reviewer who suggests, "There must be subtleties that the Tiptree panel found here but I missed," my reaction was to think, "Geeze, it must have been a dismal year if this was the most compelling work." I think the novel suffered in comparison to _The Knife_. The protagonist of this novel was not particularly compelling and became sympathetic only as its desire to learn about itself and human nature was thrown in contrast with the antagonist. I think i would have enjoyed the book much more if i had read it, because it was very much an intellectual examination of two alien natures albeit ending with somewhat stereotypical human characterizations. (Why did the antagonist seem so familiar? Oh, he's an psychopath, got it.) Listening was not particularly engaging.

Finally, i was trying to watch the BBC series Merlin. I understand the narrative need to make magic an "underground" and outlawed ability: this way Merlin can mature with the amazing power he has. But, listening to Uther Pendragon -- not the most sympathetic character, but played by Anthony Head -- go on about how the sorcerous disease was terribly undermining of the crown's power because people would turn to magic for a cure if the physician can't stop it... i was perplexed. It was a little too close to social commentary on current issues, but i wasn't sure i found the framing comfortable at all. It's quite possible the episode ends with some framing that makes it clear you should get your vaccines, but i think it was going to hurt my head listening.