Ship of Fools

This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on June 6, 2002). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.

Ship of Fools is a good, though not excellent, sci-fi novel following a group of people on a deep-space ship wandering the universe looking for a home. Their travels bring them to a planet where they discover a staggeringly disturbing massacre, the investigation of which leads them to an alien ship — and even more problems.

While the overall plot is certainly interesting, it was more of the minor details that I really enjoyed, from the makeup of the social classes within the multi-generational starship to the integration of religion into the characters and the story. Unfortunately, there’s no real satisfying ending to the book, leaving me to wonder if there may be a sequel — or sequels — down the line. Overall, not bad, with some interesting passages and some occasionally beautiful imagery.