Coelestis

Coelestis, Paul Park 1993, was once described by John Clute as “Third World sf”, but I prefer to think of it as “post-colonial sf”.

The Ten Best Science Fiction Books… Ever « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2010

While Park is an American, Coelestis is infused with that same atmosphere.

The Ten Best Science Fiction Books… Ever « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2010

I'm giving it points, however, for the brilliant choice of offering the recit Coelestis dum spirat aura as an introduction to Dolly Parton's 'I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby.'

Can you detect what's coming next from the flex of the wrist? Matthew Guerrieri 2007

Park's Coelestis is certainly post-colonisal sf and was first published in the UK, but he's a US author so not relevant to this list.

Crucial British « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2009

I certainly plan to reread Coelestis again some time.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007

And his follow-up, Coelestis, more than proved it.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007

And to call India a member of the Third World is to ignore its long and deep cultural heritage – and the Aboriginals or rather, the Demons are implied to have an equally long cultural heritage in Coelestis.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007

She is not a viewpoint on the alien – Coelestis is a description of her fall from humanity, not of her imitation of it.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007

John Clute described Coelestis as a “Third World SF novel”.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007

Coelestis is one of those science fiction novels which follows a logic all its own.

August and September Favourites « It Doesn't Have To Be Right… 2007