So, Patricia Anthony was one of the biggest rising stars of 90s SF, it seems. Rave reviews, blurbs as well as longer commentaries, and a strong oeuvre of books from the looks of it. I’ve just been getting into her again, or, well, that’s what I shall call it anyway. (I ordered what books of hers I didn’t have on hand, and have been reading Conscience of the Beagle — which is a weird experience because I read, I think, a third of it ten years or more ago, and remember bits, but only bits.)
My attention turned to Anthony when I was in Portland last year, and saw a copy of her novel Cradle of Splendor, about a Brazilian space program, and figured I’d like to read it side-by-side with Ian McDonald’s recent Brasyl. I figure two non-Brazilians might latch onto commonalities, and I’m interested in how being an outsider affects one’s depiction of a culture or place.
(For example, among expats here in Korea, there are a set of shorthands that are common and immediately comprehensible. This, in turn, shapes a lot of expats perceptions about Koreans and Korea.)
Anyway, according to Wikipedia Anthony rose to prominence quite quickly during the 90s, and then published her last book with Ace, Flanders. It was, most decidedly, not SF. Then she went off to write film scripts. Apparently she finished a novel in 2006 but it has not yet seen print. I’m dreadfully curious to see what it is, and can’t help but wonder why it’s not out yet, given Anthony’s reputation. I think she might be remembered in something of a hurry if the book did come out, but then, maybe not… it was 1998 when Flanders saw print, which means it’s been a long time.
Ah well, I am lucky at least to have a bunch of her books to read: the only one I’ve actually read is the brilliant, strange, and wonderful Brother Termite. (Which Jim Cameron apparently wanted to turn into a film, but never did.)
Here is not only the lengthiest, but also the most recent, interview with Anthony that I’ve found online so far.