Looking at the challenges of a non-traditional disaster like climate change through the perspective of people from non-traditional families who lead pretty unusual lives, is quite a brilliant idea. The inclusion of people with genders outside the Western binary is a brilliant added touch. While I was aware of Samoan faʻafafine (fafa), I wasn't as familiar with the Tongan term fakaleitī, in this case translated to the fictional country of Ava‘u. There is a fair amount of gender fluidity also, especially with Raisa's child Alti, who starts out as a non-gendered 'kid' (as all Hopeland kids do), then becomes a boy, then becomes multiple, both a he and a hé. Just what a hé is, is a little undefined (although hé looks fabulous). Alti is one of the more intriguing characters, and possibly the foremost expression of what it means to be a member of the Hopeland family. OK, that's the context. But the real appeal of this book is the interaction of characters and development over decades (and beyond, at the epilogue).

Ian McDonald’s “Hopeland” - Medium Ian McDonald’s “Hopeland” - Medium

But it starts in more familiar disunity, with a frenzied but typically vibrant panorama of the 2011 London riots:

McDonald's debut novel was Desolation Road (1988), which takes place on a far future Mars in a town that develops around an oasis in the terraformed Martian desert. [3] He published a sequel, Ares Express, in 2001. [4]

Hopeland by Ian McDonald | Goodreads Hopeland by Ian McDonald | Goodreads

a b "Cover Reveal for Ian McDonald's Luna: Wolf Moon". Tor.com. 19 January 2016 . Retrieved 7 February 2016. It took me a while to appreciate the balance between Amon, with his Grace, and Raisa the Unfinisher. (Despite one element of the conclusion, I'm not convinced that Finn is an equal part of the balance.) Amon and Raisa, between them, create a possible future that's more hopeful than anyone in the earlier chapters of the novel could reasonably expect: and in the final chapter, 'All is Full of Love', we see the fullness of the world(s) they have brought into being. Not alone -- it takes a nation -- but not without them. The novel opens in 2011 London during the riots. The initial sections had shades of The Invisibles and Rivers of London, with their cool and stylish depiction of mysterious quasi-supernatural organisations. The main characters are introduced as adventurous youths and as avatars for the spiritual-familial organisations they belong to. Their meeting is quite brief then they split protagonist duties for much of the remaining narrative, which sprawls decades into the future. I enjoyed following Raisa and Amon (all the names in this book are great), both excellent characters with fascinating families. Raisa settles in Iceland, while Amon ends up on the island kingdom of Ava' u. Once the narrative reaches the future, a more whimsical Kim Stanley Robinson style prevails and both protagonists' lives are significantly shaped by climate change. There is limited focus on technology and more on human connections via family (of birth and/or choice), spiritual belief, co-operative projects, music, and culture. Hopeland is a wonderfully rich novel, full of vivid images and memorable moments. The fantastical elements are made wonderfully meaningful by their grounding in relationships, communities, and cultures. Eccentric and adventurous, this is equal parts a delightfully mad love story and a rich and picturesque family saga. The popping action sequences reinforce author Ian McDonald’s swift and distinctive writing style. The setting is vast, from London to Iceland to Polynesia, and Raisa’s journey provides a unique take on time travel and electromancy as she sets out to remake the universe. Perfect for fans of Stephen Baxter.day is upon us: after the submissions list and the shortlist, the winner of this year’s Arthur C Clarke… A long stream of swift syllables in a language he does not recognise ends in a dead intercom. To the final door. Science Fiction & Fantasy Books by Award: 2004 Award Winners & Nominees". Worlds Without End . Retrieved 3 May 2009.