SFF

Acceptance

by Jeff VanderMeer
Farrar. (Southern Reach, Bk. 3). Sept. 2014. 263p. ISBN 9780374104115. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN 9780374710798. SF
COPY ISBN
The third volume in the "Southern Reach" trilogy (after Annihilation and Authority) takes us back to the region known as Area X. While book two dealt with the administrator known as Control, who headed up the facility responsible for sending expeditions to the area, in the final volume we revisit not only Control but also the biologist from Annihilation, now known as Ghost Bird, and the lighthouse keeper who lived in Area X before it was sealed off.
VERDICT Those reading with a hope that all will be explained and all loose ends will be neatly tied up might not be happy with this final title. Easy answers are not on offer from VanderMeer, but he does give a sense of closure, and the three books together stand as a remarkable imaginative achievement. Displaying the dizzying skill with imagery and language that have been seen throughout the series, the author leaves readers with some answers, more questions, and an appreciation of the journey.
Reviewed by Megan M. McArdle , Aug 01, 2014
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

Chaotic Apéritifs
by Wong, Tao
MEDIA

Dragon Rider
by Matharu, Taran
MEDIA

Weird Black Girls: Stories
by Cotman, Elwin
MEDIA

Cinderwich
by Priest, Cherie
MEDIA

The Ragpicker
by Dane, Joel
MEDIA

A Flame in the North
by Saintcrow, Lilith
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?