Expendable

Expendable is an absolute brilliant novel; that it is the debut novel for James Alan Gardner makes it even more spectacular. Many science-fiction novels, television series, and films present the future as something which should be desired by the people of our present time. Expendable, however, shows the future as not-so-desirable in two pertinent ways: 1.) Humanity can rule itself, but must constantly act within the strict guidelines established and summarily enforced by The League of Peoples, which take on a nearly-mystical, nearly-godlike role, knowing all without ever being seen; 2.) Not everyone is "beautiful," and those with both the aptitude and the lack of beauty are made into Explorers, also known as Expendable Crew Members because of the logic that "no one will miss someone who is not beautiful" - this despite the easy availability of numerous surgical procedures to essentially MAKE someone beautiful. This second point is what truly grabbed my attention from the second page. The main character, Festina Ramos, was born with a "birthmark" condition which has left "a lurid port-wine birthmark covering the right half of my face from cheekbone to chin." A very close friend of more than a decade has the same "birthmark," so the tale spun by Gardner is particularly personal. Gardner's writing style is excellent - easy to follow, providing technological explanations without being deeply detailed, and split into short segments (ranging from several paragraphs to - rarely - several pages in length) grouped together as chapters to enable the reader to stop at really any point and feel it is a good stopping point (thus making it a great book for those who are often interrupted when reading). Unfortunately, however, the story is told in the first person in flashback, which takes some of the "danger" element away from the overall mood of the narrative. Overall, Expendable is a very good read. The primary world Gardner creates is both familiar and foreign, and the narrative twists mostly unexpected. Especially for those with or those who care deeply for someone with the "birthmark" condition, this mark of "disfigurement" takes on a new light and helps to cause the reader to consider concepts of beauty in our present reality.

I read this book because it was on a list of books with strong female characters. I was not disappointed, and I found myself thinking that perhaps I had misjudged science fiction. The plot revolves around the concept that people get upset if attractive people are killed on dangerous missions, but no-one really cares about unattractive or physically flawed people. So although the technology is there to correct birth defects and other physical problems (such as stammering, obesity, or birthmarks), certain children are left with their physical problem uncorrected and raised to be "explorers", so that if they die on a mission of interplanetary exploration, there won't be a public outcry or grief. These people are expendable, and no-one will notice they've died, except for other explorers, who will respond with their motto -- "That's what expendable means." They have been raised from early childhood and specially trained to sacrifice themselves. These "explorers" simultaneously think of themselves as superior and inferior -- "real people", as they call them, are shallow and weak, and yet they envy "real people." This whole concept raises questions about the value placed on physical perfection by our society and what it means to be someone who can't meet those standards.The main character, Festina Ramos, is a female explorer sent on a suicide mission to a planet from which no explorer has ever returned. She and her partner are being sacrificed as part of a larger plot to deal with another undesirable of society. Needless to say, the planet turns out to be inhabited. Festina sets off on a long adventure of survival. I really couldn't put the book down, and I particularly recommend it to those who are interested in strong, capable female protaganists.

I found the basic concept of this book, that particularly ugly members of our future technocracy are considered expendable, to be patently untenable. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part and Gardner has it right - alas!As we progress in this, Festina Ramos' absorbing adventure, we befriend a number of well fleshed out and interesting characters. I admit to feeling that the characterization, as the plot, was a bit heavy handed, but I certainly enjoyed it.Swept along in her discovery of the secrets of the exile planet Melaquin, Festina gradually loses everything that she holds dear. She remains firmly rooted in her distinct personality, however, and finally triumphs in a most unexpected way.This book, like many of my favorites, didn't end as I turned the last page. Even now, mulling over it to write this review, I am struck by new realizations of the deeper purpose and meaning of Melaquin, that..... Noooooo, you'll have to read it yourself.Bravo James Alan Gardner, and thank you. I'll certainly look for more Festina and more Gardner.

James Alan Garner is remarkable. He's created a story in such a tired out genre, and warped into something that is enjoyable and readable.Those who may think the primise of the book is too simplistic will quickly find out how well this story has been written. It displays the main characters' dilemma in dealing with who she is as a person . . . a 'expendable' person, who is trapped on a planet that was supposed to kill her. What happens after brings the reader into this world she's in -- and what troubles being someone that noone wants to mind losing brings to those people.Why can't all sci-fi novels be like this? God, I can't wait for his next book (after 'Commitment Hour'). I'm not worthy!

I was suprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was well-written, with a very interesting plot. But what won me over was Gardner's ability to create a realistic, heroic, kick-@%% female character. This is an extremely rare ability for writers in any genre, and is enough to recommend this novel even without its other outstanding qualities. The constant sarcasm is a wonderful touch, and the outcast Explorers will appeal to any other cynics out there. But Gardner's real twist is that he manages to sneak something close to optimism in there without anybody noticing. Very sneaky. Very good novel.