Tar Daddoo
10/4/2013
What is the Science Fiction Premise?
Man Plus portrays an effort to begin the colonization of Mars. A central feature of this effort is the physical modification of a person to make him capable of surviving and working on Mars. This is the Man Plus project.
Is the science of the premise explored?
The Science underlying Man Plus is extensively explained both in terms of the challenges posed by Mars and the changes to the human body that must be made. For the most part the human becomes a cyborg with only the brain and nervous system remaining intact. Once this is achieved, very little nourishment is needed to maintain the remaining physiological parts and the rest can operate on electricity.
Of course, there are aspects of the Science that are beyond modern capabilities and must be understood by analogy to various forms of surgical replacements, such as transplants and prosthetics. Here, the theory might be glossed over a bit, but the ideas remain comprehensible.
A particularly interesting aspect of the story is the need to introduce computer mediation of the human's sensory inputs. This is explained in terms of a need to map an expanded set of inputs into humanly comprehensible terms. While the justification is a little weak, the explanation of what is done and how it operates is effective.
Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?
You can't become a Man Plus without undergoing radical changes. You look considerably less human; most people would consider you ugly. You cannot do some things that you used to do, though there are other things that are now enabled. A major aspect of the story is to explore how the changes play out for the person enduring the change. A secondary aspect is to explore the impact of the changes on friends and family.
Is the impact of the premise on society explored?
The Man Plus project is occurring in the context of a society that is in turmoil and may need a safe haven. It is not always clear why the Man Plus project is so important or how it will make a difference, but these questions become answered as the story progresses. It is clear, however, that the leaders of the society consider colonization of Mars essential and that this requires a modified human to be achieved.
How well written is the story?
The story is easy to read. This is the third Frederik Pohl novel that I have read in the last year or so. He is becoming a bit of a favorite.
There is one minor quirk in the writing that some might detect. The perspective of the narrative shifts somewhat abruptly among those involved. It is not harmful to the story, but it can be a bit jarring at first. Eventually, it settles into a comprehensible pattern.
Can I recommend the book?
I enjoyed Man Plus. The story had the right mix of Science, humanity, and societal impact for my taste. I am happy to recommend it.