The Years of Rice and Salt

by Kim Stanley Robinson
The Years of Rice and Salt cover
Good Books rating 3.58
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 9481
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-11
  • ISBN: 9798217091775
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-12-02
  • Reviews: 4

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson is a sweeping alternate history that begins in the fourteenth century with the devastating impact of the Black Death. Instead of the historical record where a third of Europe's population perished, Robinson imagines a scenario where 99% are lost. This radical change sets the stage for a world where Buddhism and Islam dominate, and Christianity is but a footnote in history. The narrative spans centuries, following the lives of soldiers, kings, explorers, philosophers, inventors, and exiles, as they navigate a world of famine, innovation, and cultural shifts./n/nThrough a rich tapestry of stories, Robinson delves into the profound questions of religion, culture, power, and love. The novel is not just a historical reimagining but also an exploration of how different societal structures and belief systems might have evolved. Robinson's meticulous world-building and thoughtful prose make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Drakonia and Griffalco Blog · 2020-01-09
epic 4.50

This epic alternate history spans continents, cultures, and centuries, shedding light on often overlooked cultures and peoples. The narrative is both expansive and enlightening, offering a unique perspective on historical events.

The review on Drakonia and Griffalco Blog praises The Years of Rice and Salt for its epic alternate history, which spans continents, cultures, and centuries. The narrative is expansive and enlightening, shedding light on often overlooked cultures and peoples. The book's strength lies in its ability to explore the human condition throughout the ages, providing a unique perspective on historical events. The review highlights the book's ambitious scope and its ability to weave together different eras and locations, creating a rich tapestry of alternate history. The narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a compelling read for those interested in speculative fiction and historical exploration.

Quick quotes

    This was truly epic alternate history.

    It spanned, continents, cultures, centuries, and lifetimes.

    It shined a light on cultures and peoples you don't often see in historical fiction.

Medium · Francois Vigneault · 2009-09-26
thoughtful 4.00

The book is an intriguing tale that spans many centuries and continents, offering a vast and episodic alternate history. The narrative is both ambitious and engaging, providing a unique perspective on historical events.

Francois Vigneault's review highlights the ambitious scope of The Years of Rice and Salt, noting its vast and episodic nature. The book's alternate history is both intriguing and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on historical events. Vigneault appreciates the book's ability to weave together different eras and locations, creating a rich tapestry of alternate history. The narrative is engaging and ambitious, making it a compelling read for those interested in speculative fiction and historical exploration. The book's strength lies in its ability to explore the human condition throughout the ages, providing an uplifting message of hope.

Quick quotes

    An intriguing tale that spools out over many centuries and across continents.

    A vast, episodic alternate history.

    A thoughtful consideration of the human condition throughout the ages.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2009-09-26
disappointing 2.00

The book falls short of its potential, with a parallel history that feels underdeveloped. It offers a unique perspective but lacks the depth and coherence to fully engage the reader.

Kara Babcock finds 'The Years of Rice and Salt' to be a missed opportunity. While she acknowledges the book's attempt to explore a parallel history, she feels that it doesn't fully deliver on its promise. The narrative flirts with interesting concepts but ultimately fails to provide a cohesive and satisfying exploration of its themes. She appreciates the effort but believes the execution could have been stronger.

Quick quotes

    Robinson, at least in this book, falls short of the mark.

    He flirts with the concept of parallel history, chronicling the development of science.

    The book offers a unique perspective but lacks the depth and coherence to fully engage the reader.

Goodreads · 2002-06-03
intriguing 3.80

This book offers a sweeping alternate history that spans centuries and continents, providing a unique perspective on historical events. The narrative is both epic and thought-provoking, exploring the rise and fall of dynasties and nations.

The Years of Rice and Salt is a monumental work that reimagines history in a world where the Black Death wiped out a significant portion of Europe's population. The story unfolds over centuries, following various characters and cultures as they navigate the complexities of their world. The book's vast scope allows for a deep exploration of themes such as identity, resilience, and the human condition. The narrative is episodic, with each chapter offering a glimpse into different eras and locations, making it a rich tapestry of alternate history. The book's strength lies in its ability to weave together historical events with speculative fiction, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    A history that stretches across centuries, a history that sees dynasties and nations rise and crumble.

    This is a look at the history that could have been.

    A vast, episodic alternate history.

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