1. It is set in a far future that is technologically identical to 1940. People who write about the future should not miss the mark so completely. The characters are still writing letters by hand and spending days travelling around a single continent.
2. It is hilariously sexist. The intellectual elite are simply assumed to be male and as they may not marry, women are privileged if they are able to take them as lovers for a short time. This is the only time women are mentioned in the book.
3. The main character takes the I-Ching seriously. He's supposed to be a genius, and yet he believes in horoscopes.
4. I found the story itself to be rather boring. I honestly don't know how the author could have won any awards. Perhaps it is much better in German and it is merely the translation that is bad.
1. It is set in a far future that is technologically identical to 1940. People who write about the future should not miss the mark so completely. The characters are still writing letters by hand and spending days travelling around a single continent.
2. It is hilariously sexist. The intellectual elite are simply assumed to be male and as they may not marry, women are privileged if they are able to take them as lovers for a short time. This is the only time women are mentioned in the book.
3. The main character takes the I-Ching seriously. He's supposed to be a genius, and yet he believes in horoscopes.
4. I found the story itself to be rather boring. I honestly don't know how the author could have won any awards. Perhaps it is much better in German and it is merely the translation that is bad.