Culture

Otherness is an anthology of science fiction short stories that is likely to leave its readers impressed by its boldness and originality. The book comprises a collection of 13 stories and is the winner of the LOCUS award for Best Collection of 1995. Notable contributions include “Warm Bodies” and “Dr Pak’s Preschool,” which is currently being considered for a feature film. Although an accomplished author, Brin originally began his career as a scientist, and this is evident throughout the anthology.

In “Dr Pak’s Preschool” we meet Reiko, a woman told she will be accompanying her husband on a business trip. She arrives at her destination, however, to discover that what is really awaiting her is an artificial insemination clinic. Unbeknown to Reiko, the powers-that-be plan to use classified software to educate her unborn child in utero, with the aim of creating a highly efficient member of future society. The story focuses primarily on Reiko’s pregancy, but also explores the potential that science has to hurt or help the human race in attempting to create alpha beings. Like many of Brin’s works, “Dr Pak’s Preschool” challenges readers to think critically about issues ranging from politics to birth rights and spirituality.

Similarly, “Piecework” – a chilling, award-nominated tale published in 1988 – introduces us to Io, a woman living in a future in which a highly sophisticated engineering process makes possible cross-fertilisation between humans and other mammals. Poor women can earn a living by renting out their wombs for industrial reproduction. Beyond Brin’s fascination with the idea of science meddling in intimate human acts, however, Piecework also exudes a real sense of adventure.

A number of his stories, although differing in style, are reminiscent of classic works such as Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. In “The Warm Space” (a personal favourite) we meet Jason Forbes, one of the few “organic” humans left in a galaxy called upon to participate in an experiment in cyberspace. Before long, he finds himself battling hostile atmospheres in his lightship. In “Those Eyes,” extra-terrestrial life forms express concern at the possibility that increasing pessimism and narrow-mindedness will cause them to lose their ability to communicate with humans.

To those of you reading this who may feel this seems like too much, too fast – never fear. The anthology is divided into three sections with intermingling essays. Brin guides the reader into each phase of the book with his dry, but amiable, humour. The almost painstaking care he takes in ensuring we understand his point of view can be a little overwhelming, but proves to be worth the time in the follow through. This is an insightful anthology to which to devote an afternoon’s reading, especially for those of you who enjoy adventure science fiction.