If you asked me who the greatest fiction writer in the English language was — living or dead — I’d give an answer that isn’t in many top ten lists: Gene Wolfe.
Yes! I’ve met Ada a few times at conventions, she’s wonderful. She has a very different sensibility about some things, but she shares Wolfe’s fascination with subjectivity.
Thanks a million for this. I've known Wolfe's name since forever but was put off by the number and apparent cross-genre nature of his titles. I'm intrigued now!
Very interesting stuff. I personally think evil guest, and its companion pieces “tree is my hat” and “memorare”, plus some other one I haven’t read yet, are very very good. They all seem to be about tombs, in the same way fifth head is all about twins killing each other and assuming their identities. I prefer that cycle to botns, though I haven’t finished the latter. Also ern smithe is good
Wolfe produced a truly mind-boggling amount of good work. Admittedly, I haven't read *An Evil Guest* so I'm sort of working off of years of reading discussions and commentary. *A Borrowed Man* has been on the list for a while too.
I'm actively re-reading the Wizard Knight! And I had started the Book of the New Sun again, but had to set down for a bit.
Any familiarity with Ada Palmer? I think she matches Wolfe in world building.
Yes! I’ve met Ada a few times at conventions, she’s wonderful. She has a very different sensibility about some things, but she shares Wolfe’s fascination with subjectivity.
Very cool! I know so few who even know about her. 'Different sensibility' tracks with her writing 100%.
Thanks a million for this. I've known Wolfe's name since forever but was put off by the number and apparent cross-genre nature of his titles. I'm intrigued now!
Very interesting stuff. I personally think evil guest, and its companion pieces “tree is my hat” and “memorare”, plus some other one I haven’t read yet, are very very good. They all seem to be about tombs, in the same way fifth head is all about twins killing each other and assuming their identities. I prefer that cycle to botns, though I haven’t finished the latter. Also ern smithe is good
good.
Wolfe produced a truly mind-boggling amount of good work. Admittedly, I haven't read *An Evil Guest* so I'm sort of working off of years of reading discussions and commentary. *A Borrowed Man* has been on the list for a while too.
These sound awesome! Thanks for the reccs and detailed guidance on how to approach the works.