Nova

Samuel R. Delany's Nova is difficult to describe. A relatively short novel that blends space opera with mythic quest, Delany's world-building is excellent and engaging. Dealing with the topic of novas, energy sources, galactic politics and the nature of history and time, it tells the tale of Lorq Von Ray's ragtag crew racing against the Reds in search of Illyrion. Stylistically, the novel moves through flashbacks and, at times, ends mid-sentence, leaving for a jarring feeling of sensory overload. Much like Dan and, eventually, Lorq, sensory overload from peering directly into the nova matches the theme of the book, where the break down of the laws of physics accompanies a radical shift in history and politics. While at times the prose could be somewhat of a chore to thumb through, the crew of the Roc, particularly Mouse and Katin, are fascinating characters revealing much of what life in the 32nd century is like. Katin's meta-novel mirrors the themes of Nova and a conception of history and time that connects all of humanity, a return to "cultural solidity" of sorts considered lost by the thinkers of the day.

However, as a product of its historical epoch and telling the tale of a great transformation in humanity's trajectory, the novel form allows Katin to see his own connections with the revolutionary Ashton Clark and the rise of cyborg technology that ended alienation of worker and labor (but exploitation of labor, particularly miners, is rampant). The Tarot Cards and references to ancient mysticism allow for a resurgence of ancient belief in fate and cycles, which will end the current cycle to usher in a new age (hints of Spengler here, no doubt, but the cards are meant to be guides, not destiny.  Class dimensions are no doubt present, as the Outer Colonies are peopled by the workers, the Pleiades Federation dominated by the middle-class (now wealthy, such as the Von Rays), and Draco by the plutocracy (Prince and Ruby Red). By the novel's end, the dominance of the plutocracy is no longer secure. This raises the question of the future fate of the species under the domination of the Pleiades Federation and the Outer Colonies, perhaps leading to another set of conflicts with the descendants of Von Ray and the working-classes.A sequel to this would be a fascinating read to see how the galaxy looks after the revolution in energy sources weakens Draco. But, maybe the world of Nova is best left alone in its transition to a new epoch.