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Books by Tim Powers |
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Dinner At Deviant's Palace |
Cover Text:
"A generation after the bombs wiped out Los Angeles (along with most
of the rest of the world) survivors have trickled back to set up life
in the ruins. Times are hard. People take whatever solace they can -
from each other, from new drugs, from perversions only whispered about
in the infamous private club called Deviant's Palace. Some turn to
the mysterious religious cult formed by Norton Jaybush - and once they
are taken into that group, not one is ever seen again. | |
Published by:
Ace Books, New York, 1985 |
Opinion:Most readers agree that this book is a step in a different direction for Powers. Dinner At Deviant's Palace is widely regarded as underrated. I will admit that I'm probably guilty of underrating it myself - this was the second book I read by Powers, and it was so different from the first (The Anubis Gates) that it thwarted my expectations, and as a result didn't have quite the impact that it might otherwise have had. Looking at it objectively now, it has to be said that this is an excellent book. It's unique, it has an unmistakable Powers flavor to it, and it's certainly well written. In the same way that this book is somewhat different from Powers' others, the protagonist, Greg Rivas, is also cut from a different cloth. The archetypical Powers protagonist to me is represented by Doyle, Chandagnac, and especially Crawford, who really fit the mold of the unwilling participant dragged along on a roller coaster ride of bizarre events. In comparison, Rivas seems a bit more knowing and even cynical at times, and he seems to have sharper sense of purpose about him. Bottom line: I rank this one at number six in my personal scale. Have you read my top five? Then grab this one for a little change of pace. Recommended. - ccb 4/16/99 |
Awards
Nebula Award 1985 | |
Reviews |
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