Gene Wolfe (1931–2019)

This book is incredibly odd. I started it months ago and just finished the last few pages today, but what I remember of the book is this: the plot is terrible, but the writing is occasionally fantastic. There are some really interesting points throughout the book, most of which are a result of Severian's philosophical musings and conversations, and are a direct result of the personality Wolfe builds up for Severian. The story itself, however, is extremely mediocre to the point that reading the book is like trying to find literary gems in the rough. That being said, the gems are probably worth it, and if you're the type of person who likes reading what essentially amounts to surrealist literature, I'd recommend the book. It is also incredibly literary and dense, probably more so than any other science fiction I've ever read.… (more)

So far I’m giving this series 4.5 stars for story structure and worldbuilding, and zero stars for the unrelenting misogyny. Reading with a group helps carry me along, but I have to take a step back every time the narrating character digresses into his views on gender and the sheer horniness he projects on every female character that walks through a scene.

I get it’s a “classic.” The story craft is definitely interesting and worth my time, but the way women are portrayed makes me want to vomit.… (more)