A thoughtful space opera

[bibliogramma]

In Conquest Born, C. S. Friedman

At one level, C. S. Friedman’s In Conquest Born is space opera at its best – two galactic civilisations, the Azeans and the Braxins, locked in a centuries-old conflict, brought to a head by the personal opposition of two powerful and charismatic personalities, each the war leader of one side. And on that level, it’s a magnificent read, full of political machinations and battles in space and daring forays into enemy territory and betrayals and surprising alliances and everything else you could want.

But it’s a lot more than that. It’s also an interesting examination of gender and race. Both empires are highly homogenous in physical type, to the extent that the Azean protagonist, Anzha, is virtually an outcast for much of her early life because she does not bear the racial imprint of golden skin and white hair. Furthermore, Azea’s culture can be seen as a somewhat feminised culture by traditional gender stereotypes, while Braxin culture is highly male-dominated and hierarchical. Think Athens and Sparta, and you’re headed in the right direction.

Another area that Friedman explores is that of the difficulties of interpretation between cultures – something that is often overlooked in space opera. In Friedman’s universe, alien cultures are really alien to each other, and you can’t just match up words and concepts and communicate with ease.

This is definitely a thinking person’s space opera.

Comments

[evil-macaroni.livejournal.com]

I loved it but thought the plot really choked towards the end. PS: don't read the sequel - or just be aware that it isn't as good.
ETA: the opening scene (war declared simply because the Braxin warlord wants to give his son a name) still rocks my world. She does great opening scenes!