I have recently read Robert Sawyer’s latest release, Rollback. Overall I enjoyed the book, but after I finished it, I realized how much different it was from most of his other work. Books like The Terminal Experiment or Factoring Humanity are true mysteries: high-tension, usually involving crime with a scientific background. I didn’t feel the same tension in Rollback as I did reading most of his other work. I want to be clear: I enjoyed Rollback, but simply differently than I’ve enjoyed Mindscan or even the Quintaglio Ascension series. While the effect Rollback had on me was different, two key elements of Sawyer’s work were familiar, and I enjoyed them.
First, the philosophical question raised by his scientific theme: rejuvenation in the strictest sense of the term. In Rollback, the ultra-wealthy (wealthier than “mere celebrities”) have access to gene therapy techniques that return the cells to a younger state. Over a period of a few months, these younger cells return the body to a younger state, that of the time soon after the body has matured. This allows those near death to extend their lifetime by 60 years or more, but also to regain their youthful quality of life. Rather than have his characters gaze at their own navels over this question, Sawyer invites the reader to consider the possibilities, while allowing his characters to make decisions and get on with the business of living. I prefer this to the typical morality play in which two characters represent each side of the argument and spell out what the author believes through their dialogue and actions. I don’t have much need for a preacher these days, so I’m quite happy that Sawyer chose not to preach.
More personally, much of this novel takes place in Toronto, with a little in Winnipeg. I freely admit that one thing that attracts me to Sawyer’s work is that so many of his stories take place in Toronto. For me, the story comes more alive when I can actually visualize the setting, rather than having to imagine it. This is the first time reading such a story since the move to Dauphin, so thinking about places like Senlac Av. and Park Home Av. brought on even a feeling of nostalgia. This certainly intensified my feelings and helped me enjoy the book even more. Now that we live in Dauphin, the mention of Winnipeg towards the end felt almost like a nod in my direction, as strange as that sounds. I wonder how long it will be until those Toronto streets and landmarks become unfamiliar to me. It’s already been a month since we’ve ordered from a Pizza Pizza.
I enjoyed Rollback, even though it wasn’t quite was I have grown accustomed to reading from Robert Sawyer. I recommend it, unless you would be dissatisfied with the absence of a murder mystery.