Sewer, Gas & Electric: The Public Works Trilogy by Matt Ruff, ISBN: 0-446-60642-1
What am I going to say about a loopy jaunt through a slightly disturbed near future that's reminiscent of Robert Anton Wilson and dedicated to Ayn Rand? I loved it. Okay, I had a little problem with his characterization of Rand as ensconced in an artificial intelligence hologram hurricane lamp based on my readings of her work, but as I think back maybe he got the portions that I didn't want to hear.
But ignoring my quibbles with his portrayal of Rand, I think the rest of it is great. A New York sewer department that takes explosives and small arms in the battle against the alligators and other mutant creatures living in the effluent of the city. Radical eco-terrorists with extravagant submarines. The industrialist with huge dreams building towering shining monuments to human acheivement.
And it all reads smoothly and with a humor right up my alley. Recommended.
Friday, October 16th, 1998 danlyke@flutterby.com