Book Review – Antarctica
Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
In 1995 Robinson spent some time in Antarctica at the invitation of the National Science Foundation and his experiences resulted in this novel. Originally published in 1997 this book seems to fit surprisingly into current affairs. Recently it was announced that for the first time since satellite surveillances began in 1978, the north west passage is navigable this summer. A summer that has also been marked by squabbles between Russia, the US, Canada, Norway and Denmark over potential resources in the Arctic that might be exploitable in the recent future if the warming trend continues. Global warming and dealing with resources in what is essentially no-man’s land are at the heart of Robinson’s novel.
As the title suggests the main part of the story is set in 21st century Antarctica. Robinson is not too clear on the exact year but he gives a world population of 10 billion. That would mean it is probably set somewhere in the 2050s. Antarctica still retains it’s current status as a continent for science but with a larger population and more advanced technologies the temptation of exploiting Antarctica’s resources is overwhelming to some. The treaty that forbids such activities is up for renewal but it’s being held up in Congress. While the political process grinds to a halt the situation in Antarctica shows that not everyone is willing to wait for the decision makers in Washington to make up their minds.
Robinson shows us the unfolding affairs in Antarctica through the eyes of a number of main characters. Wade, a Democrat and Senator’s aide send to Antarctica to report on events there, Valerie, a somewhat bitter tour guide, Ta Shu, one of Valerie’s clients and a Feng Shui master, X, a general field assistant working for one of the companies running the Antarctic infrastructure and Sylvia, a National Science Foundation manager at McMurdo station. These characters show us much of what is going on from their own point of view as well as the many views on the early exploration of Antarctica, Scott, Admundsen and Shackleton in particular.
A lot of themes in the book also occur in his more widely known Mars trilogy. In fact, even the time line seems to be close to what he uses in those novels. Interesting enough this book also ties into his more recent Science in the Capital series. Wade and his senator both play a part in those novels. The author shows us an Antarctica still very much dominated by science. He is fascinated by the process/philosophy of science, a topic that returns in most of his novels. Another recurring theme in his work is his interest in eastern religion/philosophy. Ta Shu provides us with a Feng Shui view of Antarctica. Personally I found these passages some of the most interesting in the book.
Quite a lot of the book is devoted to describing the Antarctic environment. He manages to paint a very vivid picture of the continent and of the characters immersing themselves in the polar environment. Some readers will have trouble getting though these parts of the book. The plot doesn’t move a whole lot in them, Robinson uses it to develop his characters and explain their state of mind. It’s something he does in his earlier novels as well but not as extensively.
Another thing the reader should be aware of is that Robinson believes in the human influence on climate changes as well as the idea that neo-liberal capitalism is a dead end and needs to be replaced by another way of running things. Personally I agree with him on both counts but if you do not, this book is likely to greatly annoy you. In his work Robinson frequently describes alternative ways of living, of dealing with humanity overshooting the carrying capacity of the world and with changing the economic system in such a way that the environmental and social costs of production are taken into account.He is convinced change is both necessary and possible which give his books a decidedly optimistic tone, despite the trouble humanity is getting itself into.
Robinson writes very convincingly about Antarctica, you can almost feel the cold coming of the pages. On the other hand he also lifts much of the plot from Green Mars in my opinion. Except for Ta Shu he doesn’t really add any new themes to the most ‘alien’ environment on the planet. It’s good writing, an engaging story, with a satisfying end. But he is also repeating himself and that is what keeps it from being an outstanding novel. That being said it is one of his better works. I greatly enjoyed reading it.
About Rob: 
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.