There’s one thing that all the reviewers agree about—this novel is fast paced! Set on the fictional island of Patusan, the action surrounds the purpose, use, and control of a space elevator, a theoretical way to enter orbit (relatively) inexpensively.

This book is all action. Characterization is minimal, only serving the plot. The science fiction elements centre around the idea of surveillance. This is a world where people know their competitor’s actions, thoughts, and motives through “worms” (mental implants) or other devices.

I picked up this book for a few reasons. It’s been a while since I read any compelling science fiction and the author, Djuna, is a legend in South Korean science fiction. I was looking forward to viewing the future through another cultural lens. Unfortunately, for all the hype, this novel felt like a B-grade Hollywood flick. I can imagine someone like Neal Stephenson doing wonders with this plot (and a few hundred more pages).

Djuna. Counterweight. Translated by Anton Hur, E-book ed., Pantheon Books, 2022. EPUB.