The Ministry For the Future

By Kim Stanley Robinson

Excellent, huge scale, thoroughly modern sci-fi.

What I loved about this book was the way that Robinson weaved the good and the bad, but acknowledged them both as needed. As a study of human nature, it is both a depressing and encouraging read. There's a pessimism within that reaffirms the writer's belief that, despite the positive moves and the great work that happens in the light, great change will ultimately only occur if it is accompanied by others willing to break the law and push.

The style of the book took some getting used to - there's not hand-holding here for the benefit of the reader, and it nearly put me off, given the jumping between perspectives, but I'm glad I kept going, as the message at the end was hopeful and, ultimately, positive.