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The
Visitor started out rather slow. It seemed like
it was going nowhere, and then almost seemed to stop.
I almost stopped reading it. Then it got better. And
keep getting better. Then, it was moving at an incredible
pace, to where I had to keep going. It felt like a being
on a treadmill, and without realizing that the speed
had been turned up. Yes, I could have jumped off at
any point, yet I at first just stayed on as I wanted
to see where this ended up. That ultimately changed
to-I had to know where this was going to end up.
The
characters are very engaging. I loved the sibling rivalries,
as well as the terms used to describe each one throughout
the story. There is the real mother, and then the “call
her mother.” Then there was point where Ned Flanders
from the Simpsons got a mention in it. Loved that.
The
story takes place over a millennium, and during that
whole span of years, has a plethora of characters, all
acting in their own personal interest. To keep this
whole thing going all at once, Sheri Tepper had to take
on the persona of a plate spinner, and constantly watch
and keep everyone in mind, otherwise there could have
been huge gaps and or holes in the story line, which
would have ruined everything.
I
was a little shocked at how violent and bloody it became
at the end. It started out like something I would see
as an after school special for junior high kids, if
not grade school kids. It turned into a story that had
a bit of a death toll.
The
most striking thing I found was that this book bridged
the gap between science fiction and fantasy. I have
read a few science fiction books. I have read fantasy
books. I have never read both at once in one reading.
Until now. This book has something both equally for
fans of Star Wars and the Hobbit.
Having
said that, one word of caution. This book is a very
in-depth, and very complicated book. For those who read,
know, and love both the genres of books I just mentioned,
this is a great book. You will love it. For those of
you who are thinking about reading science fiction and
or fantasy for the first time, you may want to start
with something simpler, and then come back after getting
a feel for these books. Then you will love it.
I recently reached out to the author Sheri,
and she was kind enough to answer a few questions. Even
in these few questions, she manages to give us some
good insight into the writer of this and many other
books. Here is how that went.
Corky: The book The Visitor has a
scenario where it is possible to hibernate and sleep
like a bear, only much longer. If this was a reality,
would you want to try this and see what the next millennium
hold in store for us?
Sheri:
No.
Corky:
When writing (The Visitor for example), do you have
the ending in mind the whole time?”
Sheri:
No.
Corky:
Do you have a basic story concept?
Sheri:
No.
Corky:
Do you just see where it plays out?
Sheri:
A
book begins with a situation that morphs into a happening
with several eventualities fluttering around it, one
or more of which may, hopefully drop in from who-knows-where,
land on a who-put-that-there, and decide to build a
nest.”
Corky:
If your readers only get one thing out of reading your
books, what would it be?”
Sheri:
A few hours’ enjoyment, maybe a new idea
or two.
Jan
Schmidt - Sheri’s Webmaster (and fan) - who probably
knows Sheri’s work better than most- added this
as well.
Jan:
I have often wondered how Sheri has written such complex
worlds-and now I see it…she lets it grow.
sheri-s-tepper.com/
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