The Dream of Perpetual Motion
Jeff VanderMeer • May 14th, 2010 @ 2:07 pm • Book Reviews
NYTBR just published my review of Palmer’s first novel, The Dream of Perpetual Motion. A really good first novel. Basically, even though I had some quibbles that got cut for space considerations–the middle is too static–my feeling is that Palmer could write just about anything he likes. He’s got the full-on chops and the flexibility and depth. Very exciting.
I also have to say I really appreciated the NYTBR editor’s edit on this review. My original got a little too caught up in Palmer’s own convoluted structure/syntax, which is fine for his book but not for a review. It was nice to see all of that flensed so effortlessly.
May 15, 2010 at 11:16 pm
That’s great news. It’s always good to know that there is a new author on the scene who has ability and not just cool ideas. Plus, the cover for this book is amazing!
May 16, 2010 at 9:02 pm
hey–will be interested to see what you think of it.
May 17, 2010 at 1:18 am
I’m trying to avoid reading reviews of this before both (1) editing a review of it I’m expecting and (2) reading it myself but it’s awful, awful hard not to click and read.
May 17, 2010 at 8:16 am
I just finished it a couple of days ago. I thought it was fantastic. Not being an expert in the steampunk genre, I thought it was very inventive, had a strong voice, and the language is incredible compelling. A virtuoso performance.
May 17, 2010 at 9:30 am
[...] not just the idea that, if I read the book, I’ll be sure to find it. Jeff’s announcement of the review being published indicates that there was some editorial trimming. Perhaps that part got [...]
May 17, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Um, if you’re coming here from Genreville…this isn’t my first review for the NYTBR.
October 25, 2010 at 10:42 pm
This can be by far the greatest submit I’ve identified on this topic, thank you for making my day.