Booklog 1/2022: John Scalzi: Fuzzy Nation

[jacey]

Audiobook

Jack Holloway is an independent surveyor/contractor prospecting for ZaraCorp on a distant planet  178 light years from Earth.  He works alone (just him and his dog) and that's the way he likes it. He's unconventional and a bit spiky and he hasba past. He didn't always work as a prospector. In the wake of an accidental cliff collapse, Jack reveals a magnificently rich seam of Sunstones and negotiates a deal that will make him richer than rich.

But ZaraCorp's right to exploit the planet depends on there being no indigenous sentient life. Enter the Fuzzies, cute cat-like creatures who exhibit intelligence. They invade Jack's isolated cabin and he gives them names and makes pets of them... until he gradually begins to realise that they are't pets, they are people. Once that becomes known ZaraCorp will stop at nothing to eliminate these small inconvenient sentient beings, but Jack's not about to let that happen. If only they could talk.

Based on an original novel by H. Beam Piper from 1962, this retelling is Scalzi's own take on it (with the permission of the Piper estate). I listened to the audible version, read very ably by Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher from Star Trek TNG) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

[watervole]

It's interesting to compare this version with the original. They both have their strong points.

[jacey]

If you've read both can you expand on that? I've only read the Scalzi, not the original.

[watervole]

I've read the original several times since I was a kid, and loved it, but haven't visited either version in about a decade.

The main difference I can recall is that the original Jack is more of a nice guy from the start and self-employed. There were others, but can't recall now.

[jacey]

I like Jack being a bit of a bastard - on the outside at least.