The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson

The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson reimagines the past seven hundred years in a world drastically altered by the Black Death. Instead of the historical 33% mortality rate, the plague kills 99% of Europe's population, leading to a vastly different global landscape. The novel spans centuries, showcasing the rise and fall of dynasties, the spread of Buddhism and Islam as dominant religions, and the innovative and horrific events that shape this new world. Through the eyes of various characters, Robinson delves into the profound questions of religion, culture, power, and love in this bold and thought-provoking narrative. /n/n Robinson's exceptional storytelling navigates a world where Christianity is a mere footnote, and the influence of Eastern philosophies and religions takes center stage. The novel is a rich tapestry of historical events, philosophical inquiries, and personal stories that offer a unique perspective on how history could have unfolded. It's a testament to Robinson's ability to blend meticulous research with compelling fiction, creating a world that is both familiar and utterly alien.

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.

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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