Explorers of the New Century

This is my first exposure to Magnus Mills, and I'm impressed. Taut diaologue and evocative descriptions bring you into the world of the explorers. Yet, the author puts their arduous journeys in a larger context -- and leaves the reader to ponder important lessons about man's humanity. The book veers into the world of magical realism, like Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Except that Mills does it in a spare way, instead of the lush world (and vocabulary) of Marquez. And it's just as effective. This is a truly memorable book. It will stay with me for a long time.

Two groups of explorers set off toward the Agreed Furthest Point in a desolate wilderness.That's about all the information you start with; it's unclear where they are or even when. Mills slowly unfolds additional details in a series of carefully-planned Big Reveals. The ending misses a couple of minor details, but it's still a ton of fun to read - and it'll only take a couple of hours. It's really more of a novella. Fun way to spend an evening. Note that some of these reviews give away the big plot twist. You might guess it yourself, but that's certainly more fun than having someone blow it for you before you start.

If you've enjoyed the other books by Magnus Mills, you'll appreciate this strange fable. Two teams of explorers travel in search of the Agreed Furthest Point. The deathly dark humour and `to-the-point' dialogue is perfect in this tale set in a cold, harsh location. Be prepared to embark on a new barmy adventure delivered in minimal prose and constant understatement.

The five-star rating is largely an appreciation of a well-controlled leap of imagination, if that makes sense. The story, and characters, are quite economically and expertly handled; descriptions and actions are vivid, yet lightly rendered. While the exercise may seem slight to some, the reader is left with just enough information to want to linger in this barren, rocky landscape, pondering the questions left behind (what, or who, ARE those mules, and what is the blue stuff, anyway?).

In the new century, theories abound, the inventiveness of the age giving way to unparalleled problem solving and great social movements, citizens infused with a can-do spirit, the future sparkling on the horizon. Against an expanse of untamed continent, two teams of explorers, one perhaps Scandinavian and the other perhaps British) set off for the AFP, Agreed Farthest Point, one team west, over land and the other charting a course through a dry riverbed, their mules critical to the success of the endeavors. The loss of one of their mules is a blow to Johns' party, who are forced to their overland trek since Tostig's, has co-opted the riverbed route. Small fissures erupt as the westerly journey begins, but Johns and his deputy keep the men in check through discipline. On the first day of the march, the western group is confronted by miles and miles of scree, their progress slowed by the uncertain surface, the mules unable to maintain secure footing. Tostig, who has left markers in the dry river bed for Johns to follow, notices the second group has splintered off in another direction, suggesting they want to make a contest of it; Tostig informs his men they have a rival for the goal. While John's expedition is larger and manned with volunteers, Tostig's is smaller, all seasoned professionals. So begins the two-pronged march, ostensibly with the same objective, each party driven as well by a spirit of competition, both in service to the newly popular Theory of Transportation, their mules integral to the ventures. As might be expected, the terrain offers each group serious obstacles, but they are rigidly controlled by military-like hierarchies of leader and trusted troops. Human nature ever unpredictable, a few question the logic of authority, setting in motion an undercurrent of discontent and doubt. For the most part they soldier on, each step closer to the AFP bringing new challenges of adaptation and altered strategies for the same objective. Nothing in this adventure is as promised from the outset, no discernible physical markers or identifiable terrain. In the stark prose of man against nature, Mills frames this tale with the nobility of intent, yet lays the groundwork for a mind-bending twist that stops the reader cold. Whatever assumptions and preferences for either team, Johns' or Tostig's, the seduction of adventure pales in the light of ideology. Life and death are at stake at every turn in this remarkable novel, but who's life and who's death and who shall decide? As biting as the arctic winds that buffet the travelers, Explorers of the New Century will leave you chilled and disturbed. Luan Gaines/ 2006.