Weissenbaum's Eye - Stetten - Book Review
Weissenbaum's Eye - Book Review
The following review appeared 7/30/89 in the Syracuse Herald American.
Unexpected twists spice colorful tale
by Brian G. Bourke
© Syracuse Herald American
Finally, a glimmer of hope for the couch potato.
In the world of "Weissenbaum's Eye," a new science-fiction novel from Syracuse medical student George Stetten, those wishing to travel to new lands or experience new things merely have to settle onto their couches, activate the appropriate program and they're off.
Novices or addicts -- those who can't control their use of the couch -- will use pre-programmed journeys, while artists will create their own and later make them available to the general public.
Of course, a struggle ensues between technology and humanity as the creators of the medium try to regain control and release all from its spell.
Its plot is reminiscent of Kurt Vonnegut's "sirens of Titan," but with plenty of unexpected twists.
Stetten's characters are very real and fully developed. He says the book took 10 years to write, and it shows. "Weissenbaum's Eye" is full of colorful descriptions of a futuristic world. For instance, when Weissenbaum's granddaughter first discovers her powers an artist:
"The frozen ocean stretches out, taut over the water like a drum head it carries your voice. The branches of the winter trees slice the sky into a shifting puzzle. You will make them stop. You will make them freeze. You will hold them with your eyes so still, that one lasting image burns into your retina and leaves you lifeless, not to worry, never to worry."
A fine book to curl up on the couch with.
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