[Lunchtime Reading Part 9] Re-reading the 1987 Prophetic Book 'Blood Music' After 40 Years [Part 2]

3. The Turbulent Modern Society and a Perspective for Questioning Narrative Structure

3-1. Deciphering National Images and the Evolution of Hacker Culture Through the Historical Context

Science fiction novels are mirrors that reflect the social conditions and anxieties about the future of the time they were written, and at times, they possess the aspect of prophetic books that foretell the future.

When re-reading this work from the perspective of the modern era, having experienced the unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19, one must say that the meaning this work holds has become renewed.

Particularly interesting is the transition in the images and roles of various countries as depicted in the work and in the fiction of that time.

Note: The following is my own personal image and interpretation.
There are (probably) no ideological implications here (^_^;)

In older fiction, especially in the 1980s when this work was written, the countries that were the standard for causing massive, dangerous experiments or incidents were major powers like the United States, the Soviet Union, or Germany.

Within the structure of the Cold War, the fear that a massive, state-level project would run out of control was the reality of that time.

However, in the modern era, the settings in fiction for such large-scale, dangerous events have shifted to those that remind us of that big country in Asia, or perhaps that small country.

On the other hand, I also feel the flow of time in the depictions of hacker-like or otaku-like individuals whose technology runs out of control and causes dangerous situations.

In the past, such runaway genius individuals were the exclusive domain of the United States, but now, Japan and various Asian countries are increasingly taking on that role.

Furthermore, there are countries that are truly so incredibly dangerous that the real-world situation is too complex and serious to be easily depicted even in fiction, both then and now, and because one's social standing would definitely be ruined, they are the ones Americans are least able to write about.

I think it is very interesting to read this 1987 text while keeping in mind these transitions in national images(based entirely on my own prejudices! No, seriously).

3-2. The Mystery of the Irregular Storytelling Woven by the Three Protagonists

There is no doubt that this work is a masterpiece, with its science-fictional worldview and ideas, despair and hope, and everything leading up to its shocking conclusion.

However, when I calmly analyze the structure of the novel from my current perspective as an adult, I realize that there are several structural issues, or perhaps unique distortions, present.

The most significant of these is the point that it becomes unclear halfway through who the protagonist driving the story actually is.

This story features three main characters, broadly speaking, each of whom takes charge of a different part.

Ulam, the mad scientist who starts it all and injects intelligent cells into his own body, naturally leads the story as the initial protagonist.

However, as the story enters its middle phase, another scientist who investigates the anomaly that has escaped Ulam's control and attempts to deal with it becomes the central figure, and Ulam's presence fades into the background.

And even more surprisingly, the one who literally supports the final act of the story and unfolds the most dramatic events is clearly that girl, who only really steps into the spotlight in the second half.

This ensemble style, where the protagonist changes one after another, is effective for depicting the turbulent process of the apocalypse spreading on a global scale, but for readers who want to empathize with a single character, it might be a slightly confusing element.

It makes me wonder what would happen if this 'Blood Music' were remade or adapted for the screen in the context of modern entertainment.

For example, if a video streaming service like Netflix were to adapt this work as an original drama series, the plot would surely be significantly streamlined.

They would likely introduce that girl, who plays an important role in the final act, from the very beginning of the story as someone close to Ulam or a resident living near the laboratory.

By positioning her as the protagonist or co-protagonist from the start, the collapse of the world caused by Ulam's runaway experiment and the terror experienced by ordinary people would be connected as a single, stronger narrative thread.

The fact that it allows me to imagine such improvements to the plot and directorial choices for a screen adaptation from a modern entertainment perspective is a testament to the depth and brilliance of this work.

4. [To the Next Action] Open the 'Amazing Novel' Sleeping on Your Bookshelf Right Now

4-1. You Don't Need to Understand the Theory; The Luxury of Surrendering to the Worldview and Atmosphere

What I felt strongly again through this reading is that it is perfectly fine not to fully understand the scientific logic or theory when reading science fiction.
Even with a rough understanding that 'something amazing is happening,' like I had in the past, you can still fully feel the overwhelming energy and worldview that the work radiates.

Rather than being too caught up in the consistency of detailed formulas and theories, surrendering yourself to the grand vision presented by the author and the sense of wonder born from it can be the ultimate reading experience.

If there are people who avoid serious overseas science fiction because they are bad at science or think it looks difficult, that is a great shame.
First, open the book and try to experience the otherworldly sights depicted by the text and the thrill of the everyday world collapsing with your own five senses.

The shock that shook me 40 years ago still resonates deeply in my heart in a different form, even now that I have acquired the intellect of an adult.

Reading is the simplest and deepest activity for engaging in a dialogue with your past self and confirming your current position.

4-2. Adding the 'Eon' series to my 'to-read' list and diving into the deep world of SF

Now, having finished the supreme re-reading experience of 'Blood Music,' my gaze is already fixed on my next target.

Also by Greg Bear, the 'Eon' series is another work that left a deep impression on me when I read it about 40 years ago, and it is currently carefully stacked away, waiting for a re-read.
Through this reading experience, I have reaffirmed the overwhelming power of Greg Bear's imagination and the strength of his stories that do not rust with time, so I am eager to read 'Eon' as soon as possible.

In our e-book libraries and on our bookshelves, there must still be many masterpieces that shocked us when we were young and have been left sleeping ever since.
(That is, if you have a habit of buying books on impulse or because they are cheap, that is. Haha.)

I hope you, who have read this article, will also take a look back at your own bookshelves or the purchase history of the e-book stores you once used.
There is surely a treasure-like book sleeping there that you can understand deeply precisely because of who you are now, and which will give you hints for new actions.

To taste that excitement from back then once more, and to accumulate new intelligence to survive the turbulent modern age, pull out a book from your 'tsundoku' pile right now and set off on a new reading journey.

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