Gene Wolfe

The April 2007 issue of Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine is a special Gene Wolfe issue. It includes a new novella called "Memorare", which is simply excellent, and a couple of essays about Gene Wolfe, on from Neil Gaiman and one from Michael Swanwick.

The Memorare is a prayer, btw - here it is:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Hello there,

I was fascinated to read this! The Memorare is a prayer I am very personally attached to, and that's the translation I most often use myself. It's fascinating to read of Gene Wolfe's interest in it. Thanks!

The prayer is an integral part of the story, as well - quoted a couple of times.

I'm eager to re-read Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun...

So I'm ashamed to admit that I've never read any of Wolfe's long fiction. Where should I begin?

Hi Jeff!

Definitely start with The Book of the New Sun. This is another one of those works that is broken into several pieces that is really one whole. The second part won a Nebula for Best Novel, so it's on your list. :) (Title: The Claw of the Conciliator.)

I want to re-read these, and was going to read the first part after finishing the book I'm currently reading - Kirinyaga by Mike Resnick.

Wolfe's short fiction is just remarkable. The Fifth Head of Cerberus is a good intro - three interlinked novellas.

Scott -

I was afraid you were going to recommend The Book of the New Sun -- that's been sitting on my shelf for years! I also have Wolfe's novel Peace, and haven't read that, either.

So what have I read.

Well, I'm slowly working my way through his collection Endangered Species, which so far has been phenomenal.

Since last posting here, I've read Wolfe's latest two novels: Pirate Freedom and An Evil Guest. Enjoyed them both! Lots of Catholic stuff in Pirate Freedom, and Cthulhu stuff in An Evil Guest.

Is anyone interested in joining me in reading The Book of the New Sun? Going to start soon...

Check this out: http://www.genewolfebookclub.com. The forum at that site was set up as a place to discuss Gene Wolfe's Solar Cycle of novels, starting on January 20 with The Shadow of the Torturer. I'll be participating...