November BOTM: Riddley Walker by Russell Hoban

**Hobbit** · November 1st, 2007, 09:12 AM

Discussion is now open on this book.

A rather obscure work this month, but one well liked by those who've read it.

First published in 1980, it is generally regarded as science fiction and won the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for best science fiction novel in 1982, as well as an Australian Science Fiction Achievement Award in 1983. It was additionally nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1981.

Details on the book are HERE.

Hobbit

**Raule** · November 1st, 2007, 11:57 AM

I’ve been interested in reading this book ever since reading Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (The Sloosha’s Crossing chapter was inspired at least a little bit by Riddley Walker). I’ve heard a few people call McCarthy’s recent novel, The Road, a one-of-a-kind, but I think this is more appropriate to Riddley Walker than any other PA novel that has come after it.

I noticed that Wikipedia calls this novel an example of ergodic literature (a new-to-me term), which is something that requires effort on the reader’s part to traverse the text. Imagine the Library Thing results for that tag! I hope I won’t be the only one this month to read this book. I think it is well worth the effort.

I had heard about the author making great use of Punch & Judy (to which I've only had minimal exposure), but didn’t know about his incorporation of the St. Eustace legend (which he makes great use of in this). My only disappointment – and it was minor - was that I found myself wishing the author had given the Tel Woman, Lorna, a bit more of a presence (in fact, women in general are mostly absent in this book). After the beginning, she just fades away as we follow Riddley’s story.

My edition of this book contains a commentary from the author. I laughed when he admitted he was a good speller before he wrote this.

**Erfael** · November 1st, 2007, 07:34 PM

Hi Raule,

You'll not be the only one reading this. I'll be joining you, though my copy hasn't arrived yet. The library couldn't get me one, and I have one on order. I'll let you know when it's in.

**LordBalthazar** · November 2nd, 2007, 02:20 PM

Alas, the delivery of my copy has been delayed until mid-November.

**ArthurFrayn** · November 18th, 2007, 07:48 AM

I bought this,and took a look at it. I could see it turning out to be interesting, but right now I'm not interested in reading a post-apocalyptic Irvine Welsh .