Floating Worlds

by Cecelia Holland

Book Overview

"On a par with Ursula LeGuin or Arthur C. Clarke."--Chicago Tribune "A magnificent novel.a colossal achievement.an instant contemporary classic."--Science Fiction Review "A.SF masterpiece."--Kim... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0575071427
• ISBN13: 9780575071421
• Release Date: March 2002
• Publisher: Gollancz
• Length: 544 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 5.6" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Give Holland a Retro Hugo-- she deserves it

Cecelia Holland became one of the youngest people ever to write a best-selling novel in 1966 with the publication of her first novel, The Firedrake, about the Norman Conquest. She was, if I remember correctly, just 18. Her career, interrupted for a time by life in a Northern California commune, has been one fantastically well crafted historical novel after another. With one exception. In the mid-1970s, she wrote one of the most under-appreciated science fiction novels ever written. Floating Worlds is an epic yet it is as personal as the seraglio. It covers the sociology and politics, both governmental and romantic, of a complex society based in the asteroid belt, and in the moons of Jupiter. I am doing this from memory, since the last time I re-read Floating Worlds was maybe ten years ago, and the book is currently in storage, awaiting its reception by the Heinlein Papers Collection at UC Santa Cruz (when I die, of course). Holland ranks for me as one of the most important historical novelists of the 20th century, along with the late and very much lamented Dame Dorothy Dunnett. If you haven't read Floating Worlds you have missed something very important. If you read other than sf, read the rest of Holland's opus. Walt Boyes The Bananaslug. at Baen's Bar and member of the Editorial Committee of Baen's Universe magazine

Floating worlds

Just recently I decided to create my personal top twenty science fiction and fantasy list spanning over 25 years of reading the genres. Among the inevitable Lord of the Rings, Dune and The Book of the New Sun I had to add "Floating Worlds" to the list. Despite reading this little known novel over twenty years ago, the impact of its engaging plot and the richness in the characterization of the hardy heroine Paula left an indelible satisfying impression.One shares a compelling journey with Paula as she survives intense political travails, passionate conflicts and numerous hardships in a vivdly-imagined far-flung future world.I note many of the reviwers articulating their pleasure from this unsung masterpiece. I just wanted to add my voice to their acclaim.

Wonderful Sci Fi by a masterful writer of historical fiction

This is a wonderful and absorbing science fiction novel by a masterful writer of historicals. This is Cecelia Holland's only foray into sci fi and a fine one it is. Those who know and love her novel about the Mongols, "Until the Sun Falls," will recognize the origin of one of the planetary peoples in this story. "Floating Worlds," "Until the Sun Falls," and "Great Maria" are, in my view, the best books among the many she has written. Even if you don't usually read sci fi, try this one.

Worth every minute

I read this book many years ago, it's time for a reread. I am not so much a fan of science fiction as I am a collector and reader of Cecelia Holland. Historical Fiction is what I expect from her and this book could be described as future historical fiction. The prose and the characters are wonderful. I have bought this book many many time to give to friends.

Classic

I first read this book fifteen years ago and was spellbound. I am an avid reader of all types of fiction with a leaning towards sf/fantasy and found this story to be a shining example of this genre. The characters come alive and you develop a compassion for the trials of Paula as she travels across the solar system to her new home. The descriptions of a future anarchy on earth and contact with seemingly superior races throughout the galaxy are unforgettable. A truly awesome story.