The Dome in the Forest

I "The Dome in the Forest" years ago but missed some of the other volumes in the Pelbar Cycle. Re-reading this story just confirms that the series is one of those hidden gems of the genre.

The Pelbar novels are refreshing, and quite enjoyable. The writing is readable, although not riveting, and the basic societal environment is quite interesting. Characterization is above average. What I like most about these books, however, is the author's ability to make plausible the idea that problems can be solved with something other than fear and violence. This is a pleasing anodyne to Hollywood and the Republican Party.

1100 years had passsed since The Time of the Fire, and civilization was slowly returning to what had been the Mississippi Valley. The male-dominated plains nomads had begun to settle peacefully around the citadel of Northwall, where they freely married with townsfolk. A new culture was evolving. But all was not well. Pelbarigan's conservative families longed for the old times: when their city led and Northwall followed; when plainsmen and citadelfolk were enemies. . .when women ordered & men obeyed!