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rhetoricandlogic · 2 years

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Brasyl, by Ian McDonald

So, now that I've outlined what I want from my speculative fiction, I need some examples. Is there anything out there that can meet my newly-high standards? Will I become some sort of cranky critic killjoy, categorically condemning everything as crap? Breathes there a book that exemplifies the principles of multiculturalism, new ideas, new ways of looking at the world, engaging plot, and artistic prose? Oh look, I have one right here. (How handy!) In fact it's a Hugo nominee this year. While I have my suspicions that Brasyl, by Ian McDonald, won't end up taking home the rocket, it should. The story is told in three parts: past, present and future. In 1732, Father Quinn is a Jesuit priest who has come to Brazil to help deal with a rogue priest in the interior. In 2006, Marcelina is a reality TV producer who thinks she's come up with a sure-fire ratings hit. She'll find Barbosa, the goalie who didn't block the gaming-ending goal in a World Cup soccer match from the '50s, put him on TV mock-trial and see if Brazilians are willing to forgive him. As she tries to track him down some very odd things begin happening to her, as if a doppleganger is interfering with her life. Finally, in 2032, Edson is an entrepreneur working his way up out of the favela, the ghetto. When his brother steals a purse with a quantum-encrypted RFID system, he meets up with a quantumeira, an attractive rogue physicist hiring out her quantum computers for illicit purposes.

When all these threads intersect, and we finally find out what the ultimate conflict is, it is enlightening. It illuminates a much more fundamental question than simply "is all this real?" It picks an answer to that question, and then delves deeper into the implications. This is what really good sf should do. It's interesting to compare Brasyl to its fellow Hugo nominee, Halting State by Charles Stross (about which more in a near-future post). Superficially, their near-future scenarios are similar. People have access to real-time heads-up computing in the form of web-connected glasses, and computing advances have led to quantum computing and largely ubiquitous surveillance that the characters must escape. Stross uses his story to make political points about personal and political struggles in such a world. McDonald gets deep into the structure of the universe and how we should move forward in a multiverse that may be just as strange as we can imagine. That difference in ambition is one of the many reasons why Brasyl is the superior work of the two (although as I'll make clear, I enjoyed Halting State perfectly well). Another strength is that McDonald's characters are all interesting and completely different. Father Quinn is a powerful man who turned to the church because of his guilt over committing a murder. Marcelina has not signed up for an action-heroine life, but she will use all her resources to survive, even when the doppleganger ruins her already tenuous relationships with her mother and sisters. Edson is a man of many identities, refusing to be tied down to any one. Entrepreneur, young gay lover to an older man (who is also a physicist, helping with infodumping as needed), Efrim the empowered transvestite, Edson going after the beautiful lady physicist, DJ Pettycash the ruling DJ of the baile (street party - there's a very handy glossary in the back of the book), and many others. All of the main characters wrestle with multiple identities at different times, which reinforces the multiverse investigations of the plot and setting. Each character/time line has a completely different tone and prose style. 2006 is written in the relatively straight-forward style that you find from most sf. The 18th century passages are written in a slower, more formal and poetic style. Edson's sections are exuberantly flamboyant. Consider this passage from the street dance: Straight up Petty Cash catches PJ Suleiman's hip-swaying samba paulistano, hauls a mangue bass out of his sample array, and brings in a beat that has the bass drivers bowing and booming in their cabs. The crowd reels back all at once, whoa! Then in midbeat everyone is up in the air, coming down on the counterpoint, and the bloco is bouncing. Suleiman tries something clever clever with a classic black metal guitar solo and an old drum bass rinse, and it's itchy and scratchy but you can't dance to that. Petty Cash takes the guitar solo, rips off the bass section and bolts on funk in industrial quantities: an old gringo bass line from another century and a so-fresh-they-haven't-taken-the-plastic-off pan-rhythm. Efrim can see the track lines on Petty Cash's I-shades as his eyeballs sample and mix in real time. The audience are living it loving it slapping it sucking it: no question who wins this face-off.Throughout that whole scene I found myself nodding my head to the beat of the invisible music - that kind of response, pulling the reader in so completely, is the work of a master. I enjoyed this work so much that I almost hate to point out any flaws, but all books have them. This one has fewer than most. Quinn's traveling companion is a (presumably) fictional French scientist, Robert Falcon. In this time line he's invented a primitive computer for weaving patterns via punch-cards. In our universe this was invented by Jacquard in 1804. Perhaps this feat of prodigy would explain why Falcon is already bandying about the concept of Turing's universal computer 300 years early, but it rang a false note for me. Just

because a concept is obvious to us now does not mean that it would be obvious to someone working with its antecedents. Another minor quibble is that Edson falls in love with one version of his quantumeira, then meets another one. For the ending to work one has to assume that his affections have transferred to the new woman (who isn't as cool as the 'original,' and McDonald doesn't quite sell the transition. These points are really by-the-by. I haven't even started on the martial arts, the exotic cults, the honestly earned resonance with Heart of Darkness, the feeling that the people in the past and future really do think differently than we do, etc. It all comes together beautifully in a masterfully crafted package. I hope that via its Hugo nomination it gains a wide audience, many admirers and many imitators. Posted by Karen Burnham at 12:37 Labels: excellent, McDonald, review, sf

2 comments:12 July, 2008 10:01 Anonymous said...Thanks for the great review! I don't usually comment --it's kind of bad taste, but I do have a little evidence to offer on the subject of looms. Jaen-Baptiste Falcon (who lived in Lyon) did indeed invent a prototype card-punch progammable loom in 1728: if your French is good, here's a wiki about him: http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Baptiste_Falcon. His brother, however, is totally fictitious. His mission isn't, nor was the La Condamine expedition to which he refers, which can be read about it all it's glory and horror in the excellent 'The Mapmaker's Daughter' by Robert Whittaker. One of the joys of writing Brasyl was how much of it was pure documentary. Hope you don't mind me commenting: thanks again.

12 July, 2008 04:12 Karen Burnhamsaid...Ian - thanks for reading! I'm glad you liked the review - I certainly liked your book. Thanks for the background on Falcon. I felt like there was something there I was missing. Those old scientific expeditions were really something, weren't they? Have you ever read The Worst Journey in the World? It's about Robert Scott's South Pole expedition. The author describes an incredibly perilous journey made to collect penguin eggs mid-winter. Then he publishes the entirety of the scientific article that made use of their hard-won artefacts. 1 page. It's hilarious and depressing at the same time.

#Ian McDonald #Brasyl #mahreviews #long post

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anestiefel · 4 years

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The Best 10-Day Brazil Itinerary

Brazil Itinerary Days 1 to 3: Rio

Beach (Off-Site) at the Arena Ipanema Hotel/Oyster

The legendary beach town that put Brazil on the map, Rio de Janeiro is a destination like no other. Its natural beauty — towering mountains and tropical jungle hugging a sandy shoreline — is stunning and distinct, and the city is an intoxicating mix of leisurely beach culture, vibrant nightlife, and exciting shopping, dining, and sports.

After landing at Tom Jobim International Airport, travelers should grab a taxi, Uber (widely available and quite affordable), or pre-arranged hotel shuttle to bring them into town. Renting a car for your Brazil trip is a possibility, but not necessary, especially in big cities where there are taxis/Ubers and good public transit. And know that renting a car in Rio means dealing with horrible traffic, navigating poorly marked roads, searching for hard-to-find parking, and sharing the road with locals who tend to drive fast and disregard lights.

Beach lovers will likely want to stay in the Copacabana, Ipanema, or Leblon neighborhoods, where chain hotels and apartment blocks line the shore. Those who prefer quirky boutique hotels and charming guesthouses will love the shady and bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood. Regardless of where you stay, a trip to the beach is in order as soon as you’re checked in and settled. Rio’s beaches serve as the city’s nerve center — they’re where locals promenade, play volleyball, and relax with drinks and snacks. Order a coconut water or chopp (icy cold beer) and drink up the gorgeous surroundings.

Explore Rio’s many iconic attractions over the next few days. Plan everything around your visit to Christ the Redeemer, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Be sure to time your visit for a clear day or you’ll risk compromised views from the top of the 2,300-foot-tall Corcovado mountain. Go as early in the day as you can; otherwise, you’ll be sharing the experience with literal busloads of fellow tourists. You’ll need to book your train ticket to the top online and in advance. Visiting Sugarloaf — a dramatic granite peak accessed by a thrilling cable car ride — will also require careful coordinating with the weather. Ideally, arrange to go up in late afternoon on a clear day for unbelievable views and sunset. Other must-do experiences include Parque Nacional da Tijuca, a lush rain forest with towering waterfalls, ample bird- and wildlife, and views of Rio below (we recommend a Jeep tour) and Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro, a 340-acre sanctuary founded in the early 19th century by an exiled Portuguese king. The garden is home to more than 5,000 species of plants, flowers, and trees from around the world, as well as endemic birds (keep an eye out for elegant Cocoi herons and dusky pink ground doves), lily-topped lakes, a Japanese garden, and an orchid greenhouse.

Our Rio Hotel Pick: Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort

The Pool at the Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort/Oyster

A polished and full-service beach resort, Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort is an upscale hotel located directly on the beach in Rio’s Leblon neighborhood. It’s the only Rio property with direct beach access, so if that’s what you’re after, book here. Another huge perk is that every one of the hotel’s 538 rooms offers sea views and private balconies. Food and drink options range from a Michelin-rated French restaurant to a beachside steakhouse. In addition to the private beach, the hotel has a pool, spa, and 24-hour fitness center.

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Our Rio Hotel Pick: Hotel Arpoador

Beach at the Arpoador Inn/Oyster

The 49-room Hotel Arpoador boasts a fabulous location overlooking the eastern tip of Ipanema Beach (known as Arpoador Beach in the area), near shopping, dining, nightlife, and Copacabana Beach. The sandy beach is right behind the hotel and is an excellent spot to watch the sunset or surf.

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Our Rio Hotel Pick: JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro

Beach at the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro/Oyster

For those who want to be in the heart of the Copacabana action, consider this upscale JW Marriott hotel right across Avenida Atlantica from the world-famous beach. Built in 2001, the 245-room hotel features a cool rooftop area with a pool, cabanas, food truck, and bar, all with fantastic views of the beach. If views aren’t enough, guests have access to beach chairs and umbrellas on the sand.

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Brazil Itinerary Days 4 to 5: Side Trips to Ilha Grande or Paraty

Beach at the Tagomago Beach Lodge/Oyster

Ilha Grande has long been a popular weekend getaway for cariocas (Rio residents). Accessible from Rio by bus then ferry, the car-free tropical island lures with its sheltered beaches, forested hills (home to birds, monkeys, and hiking trails), and clear blue-green waters perfect for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips.

The little town of Paraty has Brazilian charm in the bag. The one-time gold port, located between Rio and Sao Paulo, boasts colonial Portuguese architecture (Paraty goes back to the 17th century), a car-free historic center, and plenty of natural splendor in the form of beaches, mangroves, mountains, hikes, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Our Ilha Grande Hotel Pick: Pousada Recreio da Praia

Beach at the Pousada Recreio da Praia/Oyster

Cute guest rooms at Pousada Recreio come standard with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Low rates also include a charming pool and free breakfast. The best part is definitely fast access to a stunning beach.

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Our Paraty Hotel Pick: Casa Turquesa – Maison D’Hotes

The Pool at the Casa Turquesa/Oyster

Happy hour? Check. Swimming pool? Check. Beach access? Check, check! The Casa Turquesa offers nine contemporary suites and apartments, and the entire place is decorated with an eye towards design-led details.

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Brazil Itinerary Days 6 to 8: Sao Paulo

Vila Buarque Streetview/Oyster

The hour-long flight from Rio to Sao Paulo takes off about every half hour. Budget at least an hour to get to the airport in a car due to traffic. Most travelers will be happy staying near Avenida Paulista. São Paulo’s “main drag” makes a good home base for exploring the city over the next few days. The two-mile stretch is lined with leafy parks and famous buildings, including Trianon Park, a lush pocket of native forest, and the Oscar Niemeyer-designed Museu de Arte de São Paulo.

Pack the next few days with all that São Paulo has to offer — good luck! Start by checking out SP’s architectural treasures, like the Theatro Municipal, a grand 1911 opera house; the neo-gothic Sao Paulo Cathedral on pretty Praca de Se; and the Martinelli Building, once the tallest skyscraper in South America. Martinelli’s rooftop is open to the public; the 42nd-floor terrace of the Edifício Itália is another great spot for sweeping city views. A must-visit in this area is the Mercado Municipal of São Paulo. The 1928 grocery hall has hundreds of vendors peddling spices, meats, cheeses, towers of fruits, and vats of nuts and olives. Try quindim, a sweet coconut custard, from one of the market’s bakeries.

For a break from city life, head to Parque Ibirapuera, a large central park with ponds and a weekend crafts market. This is where Paulistanos come to picnic, play friendly games of sports, and attend cultural events at the Oscar Niemeyer-designed auditorium. Several attractions are located within the park itself, including the Museum of Modern Art.

Shopping is serious sport in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s wealthiest and most cosmopolitan city. Stroll down posh Rua Oscar Freire (often compared to L.A.’s Rodeo Drive) and poke into its many Brazilian designer boutiques like Schutz, Animale, and the Havaianas flagship. (For even more extravagant shopping, go to the high-end Cidade Jardim mall.) On the opposite end of the spectrum is Rua 25 de Marco, a bustling street market where bargaining is expected. In the bohemian neighborhoods of Vila Madalena and Pinheiros, there are quirky boutiques for clothing and home goods (we especially like Farm, Simultanea, and Attom Design). While there, you’ll find yourself ensconced in the city’s incredible arts scene. Wander into Choque Cultural, Galleria Millan, and other galleries and detour down Beco do Batman, one of São Paulo’s best street art hot spots. Stay in this area for happy hour, dinner, and a bossa nova show at one of the many bars.

Our Sao Paulo Hotel Pick: Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel

The Deluxe Room at the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel/Oyster

One block from Avenida Paulista, the 25-story Renaissance Sao Paulo is a formidable presence in the leafy Jardins neighborhood. Inside, the atmosphere is cosmopolitan and chic, like Sao Paulo itself. The hotel’s 444 rooms and suites are yet another highlight, each with spacious marble bathrooms, flat-screen LCD TVs, and city views.

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Our Sao Paulo Hotel Pick: Emiliano Hotel

Spa at the Hotel Emiliano/Oyster

This super-sleek luxury boutique hotel in Jardins features sexy and mod rooms, a full-service spa (but no pool), and excellent food and drink options, including a Champagne and caviar bar.

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Brazil Itinerary: Days 9 to 10: Side Trip to Ilhabela or Fernando de Noronha

The Pool at the Pousada Mariola/Oyster

Translating to “Beautiful Island,” Ilhabela is the serene antidote to manic São Paulo. The island is heaven for nature and water lovers — filled with beaches, rain forests, and waterfalls, Ilhabela offers sailing, snorkeling, hiking, surfing, and scuba diving to the many shipwrecks off its coast. Arrange a vehicle or take the bus from SP’s Tiete Bus Terminal for the three-hour trip from São Paulo to Sao Sebastian. From there, it’s a 15-minute boat ride to Ilhabela. Boats depart every half hour, or hourly at night. If visiting during the Brazilian winter, time your Ilhabela trip for a weekend, as many tourist conveniences are closed during the week.

If you can extend your trip an extra day or two, consider escaping to the north from Sao Paulo. Three-hour flights from Sao Paulo to Recife occur several times a day. Recife is the gateway to one of the magical places on earth, Fernando de Noronha. The pristine island is so because it is very protected — the Brazilian government allows no more than 500 people on Fernando de Noronha at a time, so that it is not burdened by tourism. Visitors must pay a daily environmental preservation rate, plus an ecological rate to enter the island’s national parkland. The UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is described by visitors and Brazilians as a true paradise, and many consider it the most beautiful island in Brazil, if not the world. Discovered by Amerigo Vespucci, explored by Charles Darwin, and visited by Jacques Cousteau, Fernando de Noronha offers unspoiled wilderness and virgin beaches lapped by turquoise waters. Visitors spend their days surfing, diving, and going on boat tours to see dolphins — hundreds convene daily in one of the island’s secluded bays.

Our Ilhabela Hotel Pick: Itapemar Hotel

Beach Bar at the Itapemar Hotel/Oyster

Rooms at the charming Itapemar Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and air-conditioning. There’s a lovely beachfront bar, and breakfast is included in rates.

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You’ll Also Like:

Is It Safe to Travel to Brazil?

10 of Brazil’s Most Beautiful Beaches

The Best Beach Hotels in Brazil

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