Are European Science Fiction Authors More Serious Than Americans?

If you require to explore European SF , you must check out Will Schofield ’s consultation with venerable editor in chief Franz Rottensteiner , whose tastes have determine European SF for decades . He talks about his favorite writers , and how old reality SF trumps new .

In a widely - ranging word that moves from the chronicle of modest press publication in SF , to favorite nineteenth 100 writer , Rottensteiner come forth as a entrancing literary figure from a world that we seldom see in English - speaking countries . Plus , he ’s not afraid to offer a controversial opinion or two . According to Rottensteiner :

I think that the gravid difference of opinion between the mass of American SF and the ( very rare ) European masterpiece is their degree of seriousness , moral seriousness . Best exemplified perhaps by Frederik Pohl ’s “ Gateway ” novel and the Strugatskys ’ Roadside Picnic . Roadside Picnic is in essence an existential novel about press on and go along your moral integrity in a corrupt worldly concern where life is constant combat for survival . Pohl ’s novel are simply about pull ahead in the lottery , hitting the pot . It may be your life , but the rewards for get ahead are terrible , and the universe is full of gift . The Strugatskys take over pouf narrative motifs , but their tale are the realistic ace , and Pohl ’s the fairy tale .

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