Manifold: Time by Stephen Baxter Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Manifold: Time
Book Review: Interesting but complex
Summary: 4 Stars
Based on the other reviews, it seems Manifold:Time is a controversial book. Some people loved it, some hated it, and some were in doubt.
I'll share with you my perspective:
- Mr Baxter's book is full of science. Lots of it. You will find interesting and complex concepts about the origin and destiny of the universe (or "universes", I shall say), the composition of matter, time traveling, and so forth.
- The characters are not deep. They might not be as "light" as in, by example, Asimov's works, but they are not fully developed.
- The book accelerates. Its beginning is slow but it then accelerates. Probably, you won't want to put it down.
- It seems to me that, when in doubt, Mr Baxter chose to sacrifice storyline and characters to put more emphasis on the scientific element. It's hard to balance all elements perfectly and I think he chose to put more weight on the science
- Mr Baxter share with Arthur C. Clarke an uncanny ability to portray beautiful cosmic events. This ability of his has not been leveraged to the maximum in Manifold:Time. I am not saying he does not do a good job in that regard. I only mean that this is not the key strength of the book
If you have already read other Baxter books, I don't think you'll have trouble with it. I am pretty sure you will like it. Just be aware of its emphasis on science.
On the other hand, if you have not read sci-fi before, I would not recommend you this book. Perhaps you should start with something lighter.
Book Review: Manifold Failure
Summary: 1 Stars
Isaac Asimov once said a good SF writer will ask his reader to suspend disbelief only once. Here, Stephen Baxter asks us to do it, oh, 472 times (once per page). There is nothing remotely plausible about anything that happens in this book. It reminds me of a typical "postmodern" Hollywood movie-- stitched together from parts of other books or movies, never bothering to pretend that anything here could actually take place. Sections of "Children of the Damned" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" are lifted whole, as are long passages of Stephen Hawking's "A Brief History of Time." OK, so it's intended to be a "romp" of sorts through the latest loopy theories about space-time and multiple universes. At least he could have made it a fun, engaging romp, instead of a grueling, depressing one."Manifold: Time" ranks as a major disappointment for this reader, who after devouring "Voyage" and "Titan" was well on his way to becoming a Baxter fan. But here, all of the negative habits that were merely annoying in his earlier efforts completely take over the work. As noted by other reviewers, there are no true "characters" here, only a series of pompous names attached to long blasts of expository "dialogue." Everyone-- even six-year-old kids-- talks like a nuclear physicist. Baxter's deep pessimism about the human race, his contempt for all forms of religion (but especially Christianity), and his apparent fascination with doomsday theories take center stage here, while the gritty, nuts-and-bolts realism and sense of adventure that made "Voyage" and parts of "Titan" so enjoyable are completely lacking. A Brit, he displays a puzzling lack of knowledge about how the U.S. government works, investing a mere congresswoman with all kinds of executive decision-making powers. But the worst sin is to make the notion that multiple universes might exist somehow boring! For a real "romp" through quantum physics and space-time, read Michael Crichton's "Timeline." It may be a piece of fluff, but at least you won't kick yourself for having wasted your time reading it, as I did with "Manifold: Time."
Book Review: Manifold: Perfection!...
Summary: 5 Stars
This is on of the best SF books I've read recently. I didn't even know who Mr. Baxter was until I read one Arthur C. Clarks novel.Manifold:Time was recommended to me and I recommend it to everyone. Entertaining science fiction even though the writing is not great. Then again Mr. Baxter got his degrees in Science not Creative Writing. Characters and Plot blend well to create a beautiful book!...
Olaf Johnson, NYC
Book Review: Manifold: Time
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is an extraordinary work of Sci Fi which is based on ideas and fact that have already been proven and written about in various scientific journals. The book comprises such a wide band of theories: front time travel to genetically enhanced squid to alternative universes. Further, there is human drama which seems even more exilerating considering the events taking place in the backgroud. All this, and much more, combined in one work of art.I highly recommend the book.
Book Review: Marginally entertaining
Summary: 2 Stars
In Manifold Time, Baxter explores some great ideas that get lost in weak storytelling. I found it difficult to stomach the arrogant characters with pompous-sounding names. It's obvious that Baxter is a better scientist than a writer, although I have to admit that there are some parts of the book that manage to convey a sense of wonder that is the key to any successful sci-fi book.On a personal level, I found Baxter's world view disturbing. He seems to believe that galactic conquest is the rightful destiny of man. He portrays the lead character, Malenfant, as a savior who pioneers this new "Manifest Destiny". I was annoyed at how Baxter took it for granted that galactic conquest was something beneficial, without delving into any of the moral dilemmas.
Perhaps that is the problem with this book--plenty of science but no humanity.