Biting the Sun

Tanith Lee

1977

June, 2026

7/10

The book starts off by not making any sense. You are immediately thrown into a world where things are simply normal: like higher-dimensional structures, materials like lightning and water being used for textiles, and bubbles as transport craft. It’s somewhat jarring, especially with all the slang terminology. However, there’s an underlying storyline which is surprisingly deep and fitting.

What becomes immediately apparent is the overall dissatisfaction of the main character with this utopian world where there is no punishment or consequence to anything whatsoever — not even death. She seems to not fit in while everyone else is happy. It is also hinted, though, that not many people truly are happy. And that is where the book focuses and excels.

While the world and its functions may not make any sense, the characters and their stories and experiences are beautifully expressive and relatable. With some dedication to overcoming the strange world and jargon, it’s a great book on the topic of finding meaning and enjoyment in life as well as the process of figuring oneself out and learning what one enjoys.

“Who am I,” I often thought that after a dream. “Where am I?”
It doesn’t take long to recollect, however. I felt disappointed. Life had been just beginning for me...

The book held its qualities until the later parts, the events outside the city. By then, I felt like I was reading any other science fiction novel of the period that goes something like, “These people did this, and then those people did that, and then these people did this, and then those people did that.” Think High-Rise or Monument. It gave the same rushed, nonsensical, fever-dream-of-happenings feeling which almost ruined an otherwise great story. It did recover before concluding, but the better part of the book was still long past.

It is a good book and worth reading. It’s unique and thoughtful, though it does take on more than it can handle.