Night Lamp

by Jack Vance
Night Lamp cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4642
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781473208933
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2015-05-14
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the expansive Gaean Reach, where the diversity of human development is on full display, Jaro Fath's life takes a dramatic turn. Starting as a wildling orphan, he rises to become a spaceship captain, driven by an enigmatic inner voice. His journey leads him back to Kammerwelt, a planet with a dark history tied to his mother's terror. As Jaro delves deeper into his past, he uncovers secrets that challenge his understanding of his own existence. Set against the backdrop of the Dragon's Maw, a far-flung sector of the galaxy, Jaro's adventure is a blend of wit and discovery. The story is rich with the complexities of human evolution and the mysteries of space, making it a compelling tale of adventure and self-discovery.

Reviews
R. R. Horton's Blog · R. R. Horton · 2023-02-14
excellent 4.00

The prose style is a joy to read, with Vance's ornate writing adding a unique charm. The narrative is slow-paced but rich in detail.

R. R. Horton is absolutely delighted by Jack Vance's prose style in Night Lamp. They describe it as a true joy, with Vance's ornate and distinctive writing adding a unique charm to the book. The narrative, however, is slow-paced and lacks the excitement that typically drives a story forward. Horton appreciates the rich detail and world-building, but they also note that the pace can be a bit of a hurdle. It's a book that requires patience but rewards those who stick with it with a unique and engaging reading experience. Horton's overall sentiment is positive, appreciating the book for its literary merits and the joy of Vance's writing.

Quick quotes

    The prose style is a true joy: Vance is his inimitable self.

    His writing has a reputation for ornateness, but it seems to me that his sentences ...

    The narrative is slow-paced but rich in detail.

A Sky of Books and Movies · Jeroen · 2015-11-20
intriguing 3.50

The writing style is exceptional, but the story lacks the tension and excitement one might hope for. It is a book that is well-written but not particularly engaging.

Jeroen really appreciates Jack Vance's writing style, which is top-notch in this book. The prose is intricate and distinctive, showcasing Vance's unique voice. However, they find that the story itself falls a bit flat. There's a lack of tension and excitement that typically drives a narrative forward. While they rate the book quite highly, it's more for the quality of the writing rather than the story itself. It's a bit of a mixed bag, as the book is beautifully written but doesn't deliver the thrills or emotional depth that could have made it truly memorable.

Quick quotes

    Jack Vance's style is at the top, the story lacks tension and excitement.

    I rate this book quite highly but I would not ...

    Although Jack Vance's style is at the top, the story lacks tension and excitement.

Infinity Plus · 1998-03-16
great 4.50

The dialogue is convoluted and witty, adding a layer of enjoyment. The story is bittersweet and original, showcasing Vance's unique storytelling.

The reviewer from Infinity Plus highlights the convoluted and witty dialogue in Night Lamp, which adds a layer of enjoyment to the reading experience. The story is described as bittersweet and original, showcasing Vance's unique storytelling prowess. They appreciate the intricate dialogue and the banter between characters, which adds depth and humor to the narrative. The reviewer finds the story to be a bittersweet tale, with a unique and original plot that sets it apart from other works. While the pace might be slow for some, the rich detail and unique storytelling make it a rewarding read. The overall sentiment is positive, appreciating the book for its originality and the enjoyment derived from its dialogue.

Quick quotes

    Much of the delight in a Vance novel is the convoluted dialogue, the repartee and banter between indignant and vain characters, the bluff and ...

    One of the most original fiction authors of the century, the late Mr. Vance penned this seasoned bittersweet story of ...

    The story is bittersweet and original, showcasing Vance's unique storytelling.

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