Do you ever wonder why non-humans in stories – monsters, gods, aliens, you name it – so often seem mysteriously able to speak English? So, it would seem from Embassytown‘s premise, does China Mieville.

The Ariekei don’t speak English, they speak Language. If the humans who depend on them for their valuable biotech are to continue to survive they will have to learn to speak it too – and alien vocabulary and grammar are among the least of their problems. For one thing, Language can only be spoken via two mouths simultaneously, necessitating some (heh!) unusual sacrifices on the part of those human Ambassadors who wish to speak it. For another, Language can only be used to speak truth: lies, speculation, even metaphor are beyond the Ariekei’s capacities for expression or understanding. Until now…

Though it’s got its thrilling moments (particularly the scenes of inter-species chaos, war and carnage!) Embassytown isn’t an action story: this is proper capital letters Speculative Fiction – a story that takes a wild idea and sees where it will go. And with Embassytown Mieville pulls off the trick that only the very best SF manages, namely making you care. If you’re up for something complex, and not scared of a book that drops you in at the deep end and makes you work a bit, then Embassytown will reward you with a unique imaginative experience to astound you.

If I spoke Language I’d say this: China Mieville is an author always worth watching out for, and Embassytown is his best book yet.

Sam

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