This is Wednesday, I must be in an elevator

Locals here in Lao PDR  will tell you that the PDR may officially be People's Democratic Republic, but in reality means 'Please Don't Rush'. And after ten minutes wandering around the capital, I was totally on board. Yes, drivers will ask you if you want a tuk-tuk, but chances are they will do it without getting out of the hammock that they have strung between the uprights of their vehicle. It would seem almost cruel to accept.

So, when the carpet in the elevator takes the trouple to remind me, in big capital letters that its Sunday, one can only sigh a sleepy little thank you to the proprietors. Here, I don't think it will take long to forget what day it is.

Brasyl by Ian McDonald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars Who knew quantum physics could make such a good read. Slipping effortlessly as a Q-blade between the eighteenth century, an approximate present day and thirty years hence, this book is a great trip of sharp, riffing prose and well-rendered worlds (or should I say realities). Very much nestled in a S-F kind of tradition, and an enjoyable read. My only reservation is that I found the denoument did not quite live up to the impressive beginnings. View all my reviews >>