Stopping At Slowyear
Review by Eric Grivel, June 18, 2001.
Information
| Title: | Stopping At Slowyear |
| Author: | Pohl, Frederik |
| Year: | 1991 |
| Published: | 1992 by Bantam Books, New York (paperback edition) |
| ISBN: | 0-553-29487-3 |
The Story
Life aboard the Nordvik, an interstellar trade ship, is dull. Years go by on the trip from one star system to another, with no knowing what each system will bring in trade opportunities. The fifty or so crew are forced to live together all that time, which can be difficult at times.
The next stop of the Nordvik will the the planet Slowyear. The main characteristic of this planet is its long revolution around the sun: about 20 earth years. For most of that time, the surface of the planet is either too cold or too hot and the inhabitants live in large caves, effectively locked up, specially during the long winter.
When the Nordvik arrives at Slowyear during its spring season, they are received enthusiatically, and all their requests are immediately met. The crew of the spaceship enjoys the hospitality and many consider staying on the planet.
Evaluation
It is difficult to describe the story more without spoiling the surprising ending. Unfortunately however, the story does not lead up to its surprising ending. I think this novel would have been better off as a short story.
Disclaimer
This is a personal review, expressing my personal opinion. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me by by Email at [email protected].
This book seems to be out-of-print.