SFF

Barsk: The Elephants' Graveyard

by Lawrence M. Schoen
Tor. Dec. 2015. 384p. ISBN 9780765377029. $25.99;ebk. ISBN 9781466853393. SF
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In the future, humans have vanished; what remains are the anthropomorphic animals from the former Earth, who have spread throughout the universe bringing with them their own cultures and prejudices. The exiled Fants (elephants) on Barsk are even more separated than the other animal species. Their only contact is through the trade of koph, a special plant that gives certain creatures the ability to speak with the dead. It is this plant that is at the heart of the conflict that will test the resolve of two Fants as they uncover a shameful truth that the most powerful in the universe will do anything to keep secret.
VERDICT Readers who like their sf to extensively delve into philosophical subjects will love this book. Schoen's (Calendrical Regression) quiet read muses on a variety of subjects, including memory, history, and sacrifice. The characters and world are so well drawn that it doesn't take long to understand the universe the author has crafted. There is plenty of crossover appeal in terms of ages and genres.
Reviewed by Laura Hiatt-Smith, Conifer, CO , Nov 15, 2015
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