Harland, Richard. Worldshaker
Simon & Schuster/Little Brown 2010 400p 16.99
978-1-4169-9552-4 ms/hs Science fiction VG
Col Propentine must deal with the unexpected realities that his privileged state, and his naive existence, have masked when he is selected to be the next commander of the Worldshaker, a huge juggernaut.
A microcosm of Victorian civilization is alive and well aboard the juggernaut, Worldshaker. The upper classes live in a super-structured realm, where physical and emotional thoughts and feelings are surpressed, and everyone leads a very proper Victiorian existence. Below decks are the “filthies,” who the upper deck dwellers are led to believe are sub-human. When Rif escapes and meets Col, his entire notion of the world is turned upside down, and the two begin a rebellion that will forever change the life of the entire world.
Slow and almost infuriating at first, this story builds and creates a fascinating world, with believable characters and thought-provoking plot details. Worldshaker seems to be an analogy of the British Empire and expansionist ideals, as well as a diatribe against Victorian society. Fans of Philip Reeve and other steampunk offerings will find this an engaging read, but those who dig deeper will find pro-environmental and anti-imperialist symbolism.
Some sensual allusions, but most of the action is properly Victorian. Appropriate for middle school steampunk fans, and can be enjoyed by older readers as well. Recommended for middle and high school collections where this genre is popular. Naismith, Pat
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