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More reviews by Paul McGuire
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Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve
PHILIP REEVE's dark vision of a post-apocalyptic London struggling to survive in a diminished world owes more than a passing nod to Melvyn Burgess' classic Bloodtide. But in MORTAL ENGINES, Reeve has stripped out the sex and violence and produced a thrilling tale suffused with rich irony and thoughtful imagination that will challenge young readers without offending their susceptibilities.
Centuries after The Sixty Minute War, London is one of thousands of mobile cities that prowl the western world devouring other settlements in a conurbation-eat-conurbation world. Tom Natsworthy is a third class apprentice historian whose thirst for adventure is realized only too starkly as he unexpectedly leaves the city and gets a wider view, not only of the world outside but also dark, cruel political and social aspects of his own London he never knew existed. Ultimately he has to decide where his true loyalties lie and the morality of a lifestyle he has previously taken for granted. Which is best, the constant movement and battle for survival of his own world or the determined static settlements of the Anti-Traction League found to the east in Shan Guo guarded by the awesome barrier of Batmunkh Gompa?
While some of the imagery is a little forced and the jokes occasionally painful (one mobile town is called Tunbridge Wheels!) readers will empathize with all the characters struggling with their own dilemmas and demons to find peace and equitable solutions to personal and global problems. The concept of municipal Darwinism may underpin the book, but sideswipes at social inequality, the morality of violence and comparative cultural lifestyles give depth to what remains essentially a rattling good adventure full of plot twists, humour and suspense. Highly recommended.
Paul McGuire
19/06/2002
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Paul McGuire is a freelance author, writer and reviewer. He is also Deputy Principal of Sha Tin Junior School. |
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