An overpopulated Earth of the near future seems bent on self-destruction. Colonising Mars is perhaps the only answer for the human race to survive. A select group of volunteers go on a one-way trip. They build six towers and here Aldiss enjoys exploring complex ideas like alternative realities and the universe as a life form. Mars has underground water and oxygen, precious gems and an incredible life in the form of an amphibian approximating the Permian period on Earth. All is very exciting except for the problem of babies either aborting or being still born. And so the plot thickens. This is brilliant stuff. By his own admission it is his “final science fiction novel”. He certainly bows out in style.
'My final Science Fiction novel' - Brian Aldiss Brian Aldiss has announced that this book, Finches of Mars, will be his final science fiction novel. And what a way to end one of the most illustrious careers in the genre. Set on the Red Planet, it follows a group of colonists and the problems they have in setting up a new society. Life can be sustained but new life will not prosper - the women on the planet only ever give birth to stillborn children. Exploring many of the author's classic themes, this is a landmark novel in any genre.
'It's a terrific yarn, but more than that; as Aldiss casually throws out ideas and speculations, it's a reminder of why he's one of the giants of the field.' SFX Magazine
'A must-read for science fiction fans with the potential to be a modern classic.' We Love This Book
'Brian Aldiss is one of those writers who can stand back and look out across the vast fictional landscape of sciences fiction, and consider himself both a creator and a destroyer of worlds; a mortal God if you will.' Starburst Magazine
'Once again he demonstrates the power of his imagination.' Daily Mail
'This grandmaster of the genre, who has laid down many a milestone in his 60-year career, including classics such as Hothouse, Greybeard and the Helliconia trilogy, is retiring on a high note.' Financial Times
'The titan of science fiction.' Telegraph
'Brian Aldiss is one of the most influential - and one of the best - SF writers Britain has ever produced.' Iain M Banks
'The best contemporary writer of science fiction.' Guardian
'One of our best novelists.' William Boyd
Author
About Brian W. Aldiss
Brian Aldiss, OBE, is a fiction and science fiction writer, poet, playwright, critic, memoirist and artist. He was born in Norfolk in 1925. After leaving the army, Aldiss worked as a bookseller, which provided the setting for his first book, The Brightfount Diaries (1955). His first published science fiction work was the story 'Criminal Record', which appeared in Science Fantasy in 1954. Since then he has written nearly 100 books and over 300 short stories.
