Maul was my first encounter with Sullivan’s fierce, fluid novels, thanks to its Arthur C Clarke Award nomination, and remains my favourite of the ones I’ve read, not least for the elan with which its central metaphor is constructed and elaborated. Justina Robson’s review sums the book up well:
Maul deals with plagues: biological plagues, political ideology, sex and shopping. […] All the elements of this novel work very hard all the time, carrying not only a complex plot and fascinating ideas about microbiology, but a heavy satirical charge aimed at contemporary culture and also at SF itself. That it manages so well and is so entertaining is testament to Sullivan’s skill and intelligence. I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in a long time.
Please email me with your top ten science fiction novels by women from the last ten years (2001-2010). All votes must be received by 23.59 tonight, Sunday 5 December. Your own definition of science fiction applies.
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