The Other
by Victor Kelleher
Review by Stephen Dedman
(Stephen's updated bibliography of short fiction)
(Review first appeared in The West Australian, 12 Jan, 2002)
The Other follows the careers of several human soldiers, led by Captain Michael Shaw, in their war against the Robs, human-looking robots, who have revolted against their enslavement and aim to supersede us. This is hardly a new idea - in fact, it's almost as old as the word 'robot' itself - but Kelleher brings new depths to it through strong characterization, multiple viewpoints, and lyrical writing.
Shaw comes to the Barricades to find that, because of the use of countermeasures, high-tech war had degenerated back to near-medieval methods of guerrilla fighting. The soldiers carry knives and axes as well as antique shotguns, rifles and rocket launchers, decorate themselves with warpaint, and collect parts of Rob 'corpses' as trophies. The war has turned into a stalemate, both sides slowly killing each other without gaining any ground. After a sneak attack by Robs convinces him that honour has become obsolete, Shaw decides to fight dirty, even though it means sacrificing more of his own people in an effort to deter the Robs. This works well enough that the Robs retreat further into the wasteland and the humans are able to claim victory, and Shaw is promoted, but all of the survivors of this battle are psychologically scarred.
General Shaw's life becomes more complicated when his dying wife mistakes a child-sized Rob for their dead daughter Ellen, and makes him promise to look after her. Meanwhile, a new type of Rob appears: Ideal Ones, or Ides, robotic gurus who preach peace, integration and equality for humans and Robs. The humans counter with robotic hunting dogs too stupid to revolt - stupid enough, unfortunately, that they frequently attack humans. When Shaw, with his reputation for ruthlessness, is offered command of the dog teams, the robot Ellen flees, and Shaw decides to go looking for her.
To humans, Robs are 'The Other'; to them, we are... but in Kelleher's thoughtful novel, it's difficult not to see the point of view of the robots, as well of that of the very different human soldiers (some reluctant, some bloodthirsty, some both at once) who believe they have to fight to escape extinction.
The Other is beautifully written, and its often graphic treatment of a very bloody war is strongly reminiscent of All Quiet on the Western Front and Apocalypse Now. It also deals with many of the same ideas as Bladerunner, and there's a strong hint of The Terminator's wasteland and some nods to Philip K. Dick's story 'Second Variety' (the basis for the movie Screamers). The Australian setting gives it extra impact as we see our own country reduced to a wasteland by war, and the novel packs a lot of plot into its 310 pages - so much plot that it's sometimes difficult keeping track of who the viewpoint character is in any given chapter, or how much time has passed since the previous chapter.
The Other is especially recommended for science fiction fans, but is accessible enough to be enjoyed by almost anyone who enjoys thought-provoking stories, well-rounded characters, plenty of tension and action, and good writing.
Copyright © Stephen Dedman
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Paperback is 320 pages
ISBN: 0732273714