I’m a little late posting this, but here is the wrap-up of Season II of SF Crossing the Gulf on SF Signal:
Karen and I summarise the books and stories we reviewed during Season II and briefly discuss our plans for Season III.
Tag Archives: podcasts
SF Crossing the Gulf: Episode 17
Episode 17 is up on SF Signal. Go forth and click!
Episode 17: ‘Single Bit Error’ by Ken Liu and Distances by Vandana Singh
Karen and I are actually in the same room for this podcast! If I sound a bit stilted, it’s because I was suffering from jaw inflammation and pain (wisdom tooth issues) and had to be very careful opening my mouth. Let my caution not be seen as a lack of enthusiasm for these works. I was especially blown away by Distances, so thank you so much Karen for introducing me to that book.
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 16b
The second half of Episode 16 is now up on SF Signal:
Episode 16b: The Rediscovery of Man, by Cordwainer Smith
In it we discuss two more stories – ‘Alpha Ralpha Boulevard’ (1961) and ‘On the Gem Planet’ (1963), finding ever-greater depth and complexity in the historical arc of Smith’s universe.
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 16a
We discussed the short fiction of Cordwainer Smith in our latest episode of SF Crossing the Gulf, and there was so much to say that we had to break it into two parts. So here is part a:
Episode 16a: The Rediscovery of Man, by Cordwainer Smith
We cover two short stories, ‘Scanners Live in Vain’ and ‘The Lady Who Sailed the Soul’. It was a very enjoyable discussion. Smith’s short fiction has lots of complexity and really lends itself to both literary and genre analysis. This is another example of an author whose work has aged well.
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 15
A new episode of SF Crossing the Gulf is now available at SF Signal:
Episode 15: Flatland by Edwin Abbott, and ‘The Shadow Postulates’ by Yoon Ha Lee
Not only is Flatland one of my favourite books, but it is the oldest book we have discussed on this podcast (publication year 1884). When we compare and contrast it to the social sci-fi and math-fi of Yoon Ha Lee, a brilliant contemporary writer, you will see that it has aged extremely well and deserves to be called a classic of the genre and of literature in general.
These works discuss perception, worldview, paradigms and scientific discovery – in effect how scientists and their work are influenced by culture and personal bias. Fascinating stuff. I highly recommend this podcast if you have an interest in the history and philosophy of science.
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 14
SF Signal has posted the newest episode of SF Crossing the Gulf. In it, Karen and I discuss the exciting math-fi novel Napier’s Bones by Derryl Murphy:
Episode 14: Napier’s Bones, by Derryl Murphy
This book provides a very creative take on a system of … magic? Applied maths? You be the judge. The worldbuilding is rich and the plot jam-packed with action, so much so that I unusually demand a sequel … and a sequel is forthcoming!
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 13
Our first full podcast of the second half of season two is up and available!
Episode 13: Shadow of the Torturer, by Gene Wolfe
We discuss the first book of a series, a book that has a lot happening, only some of which is resolved. However this approach allowed us to assess Wolfe’s worldbuilding and the structure and style of the story rather than focusing on plot and character arcs which would be better examined over the entire quartet (The Book of the New Sun). It is easy to see why this complex and enjoyable book is considered one of the classics of the genre.
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 12a
It so happened that Karen Burnham and I felt that our podcast on Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis was lacking a little expert knowledge. We know that Lewis, as one of the Inklings, has been widely studied – his life, fiction and non-fiction. It seemed only sensible that one of his most mature and challenging works would have been analysed by persons far more qualified than us.
With the help of our designated expert and special guest, Beth Potterveld, we revisited the novel and illuminated some previously murky areas. The podcast is a supplemental, short and sweet, and a proper conclusion to the first half of our 2013 season.
Episode 12a: Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis. The Academic’s Cut
Preparing to resume podcasting
The mid-season break for SF Crossing the Gulf will soon be coming to an end, and in recognition of that, I have done what I should have done long ago. Look above, way above, at the top of the website! It’s a link to a new page, titled of course ‘SF Crossing the Gulf‘. I’ve added information and links for all Season One episodes, the links for the first half of Season Two, and a list of upcoming works.
We resume 5 June 2013. Hope you’ll read up, tune in, and enjoy!
SF Crossing the Gulf, Episode 12: Till We Have Faces
This week’s episode of SF Crossing the Gulf focuses on one of my favourite books: TIll We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis. I discovered it late, less than a decade ago, and it is often overlooked when readers talk about his books. I strongly believe it should not be overlooked. If you have any leanings towards reworked myth, many-layered stories and strong, complex female protagonists, this is a book you should read. And when you have read it, check out my discussion with Karen Burnham.
Karen Lord (archived) 