Conference noted::sf

610.0. "Rumors of Spring, by R. Grant" by UCOUNT::BAILEY (Corporate Sleuth) Thu May 05 1988 20:48

    I recommend _Rumors of Spring_ by Richard Grant, now out in paperback
    by Bantam/Spectra for $4.50.
    
    This is an interestingly blended futuristic  view of the earth
    after ecological ravages have been countered by genetically engineered
    trees.  It begins in the "near" future with the life and work of
    a woman botanist who is trying to "teach" oak trees to take on
    defensive characteristics from other species in order for the forests
    to reclaim some of the earth now devastated by acid rain and other
    man-caused ecological problems.  It picks up five hundred years
    after that when the forests threaten to wipe out humankind by
    encroaching rather aggressively everywhere!  There are some elements
    of fantasy of a rather northern European mythic flavor, and some
    elements of romance and even politics!  The characters are interesting,
    humanly flawed, and credible.  The story has some mildly "sweet"
    aspects, but they don't turn saccherine.  The book blurb calls it
    a "fable of our times", and I guess you could look at it that way.
    In any case, I enjoyed it very much and suggest it to Utopians and
    anti-Utopians and sf fans who care about the earth and we who share
    it.  It gives you another viewpoint and maybe some hope!
    
    Sherry