Emergence

A book to drive grammarians crazy - and to thrill sci-fi fans. David R. Palmer's book contains almost no personal pronouns, complete sentences or ambiguous meanings. Quite a feat! Of course, he cheated a bit - by eliminating almost everyone to whom personal pronouns could apply before the book starts. "End of the world" books tend to be depressing. However, this is the exception. "Candy" the 11-year old protagonist in the book is so full of life, and her story so full of both surprises and interesting details, that "Beginning of the World" might be a better characterization. This book is a real favorite of mine and warrants a frequent re-reading. For those who grew up in the 60's and 70's David Palmer hides references to some cultural gems in the tale (e.g., "Gus" the name of an old auto mechanic referred to in the text is clearly the "Gus Wilson" of the long-running "Model Garage" (1920-1969)series in Popular Science Magazine). If you don't spot them, no harm done - but they are an added treat if you do. After one additional book "Threshold" (a good book, but Emergence is better), David R. Palmer seems to have disappeared from the writing scene. Rumors of his fate have included both death (he had some dangerous hobbies that add authenticity to some the latter sections of the book) and a "real job" that has kept him away from writing. This leaves me a bit torn - I'd like him to write more - but at the same time, I'm more than grateful for "Emergence"!

Most of the book is written as if in a journal - stream of consciousness style. Given that the protagonist of this book is a twelve year old girl, I originally thought the story would be unbelievable or annoying. It was neither. I read the book at one sitting when it first came out and have read it several times since. Each time, I am surprised at how good it is. I just wish Palmer had written a follow-up or two. As far as the story line, the other reviews have done a good job. The only thing I have to add is: This book is a must read!! Enjoy, Jay.

---First published in *Analog*, EMERGENCE is one of the overlooked gems of science fiction. Palmer even had the patience to respond to my letter of comment (LoC) in the magazine, and when it went to paperback publication he modified an element in the plot involving the surgical repair of a femoral arterial laceration. The story is told from the perpective of a brilliant and resourceful young girl in a ghodawful situation, and I intend to get my mitts on a copy to gift my 11-year-old granddaughter. There aren't too many decent stories SF stories with respectable female central characters in 'em, and EMERGENCE is one of the few.

Meet Candidia Maria Smith-Foster, the most compelling female protagonist in modern science fiction since Friday Jones and Podkayne Fries (both Heinlein characters). Candy's unique outlook on life shines through in her journal which chronicles the aftermath of a bionuclear war, a war which has eliminated 99.4 percent of the people on Earth. The remaining .6 percent -- well, let's just say that they have very unique abilities. Candy is one of these, and as she sets off from her hometown in search of other survivors, the meaning of the book's title becomes clear -- Emergence, the emergence of a new species, a new society, and a new world.Full of engaging characters, compelling scenes and a love-to-hate antagonist, this book rates in my top ten list, any day of the week.