September 19, 2009
Yesterday I read the extremely interesting and bizarre Explorers of the New Century by Magnus Mills. Mills is an extraordinarily original writer disguised in the words of a traditional story-teller. The first pages of Explorers of the New World set me up for a Shackleton-esque story of adventure, exploration, and flagsmanship (as in, the taking of immense effort in order to be the first man -- and they are all men here -- to plant a flag in a new territory). The details of setting up for the big trek across rough terrain and through hostile climate, the sketching of the characters of the men along for the adventure and of the leaders of the two competing teams of explorers were all interesting and I became quite carried away with the spirit of adventure. BUT then things really got interesting as the nature and purpose of the trek to AFP ("Agreed Furthest Point from Civilization) became increasingly clear. In this futuristic world of global peace, prosperity, and health, only one problem remains: what to do with the mules.
I cannot reveal any more other than to say these are no ordinary mules, the men are no ordinary explorers, and Explorers of the New Century is the furthest from an ordinary book that I've read in a long time. How wonderful it was to have my cake and eat it too, to read a book that is so unique and surprising while also being a very good read with a story well-told, twisting plot, diverse characters, sly humor, and all the underlying chills and thrills that an adventurous and omnivorous reader could want. Plant your flag in this one.
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