Pratima goes on an undercover mission for the Library. This India of the future has no modern technology. Includes an added short story, Lakisha Decides.
"Two stories, definitely unique, so unique that I had to pay particularly close attention to follow them. I applaud the author for his ability to create such a rare futuristic existence. What I got from both stories was that libraries are above all else, and those who work at the libraries are greatly honored and people you don't mess with, but as in most societies, futuristic or not, there is human nature and corruption." -Chris
"I found 'Pratima’s Engines' to be particularly intriguing for the POV Gibson picked: a very intelligent deaf girl who reads lips. You don’t see many differently-abled characters in Sci-Fi, and Gibson handles it well and subtly. I would happily have read an entire novel featuring this character." -Jacqueline
"What interests me the most though, is the world that the author has created. This book is just a teaser, but what I know is that we are in a post-apocalyptic/utopian sort of world where it seems like petroleum, electricity, and munitions are gone—and the knowledge of them is carefully guarded by Librarians. I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series." -Tiger
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Customer Reviews:
4.4 out of 5 stars 9 ratings
I feel a tug at my skirt.
Glancing down, I grab at a grubby hand stuck in my pocket, but the child is fast. He darts away. He would have been disappointed and empty-handed anyway. I am just a servant, dusting, washing, picking up after others. I wonder. Will I, too, be waiting soon for this weekly train? Taking me away from my work for the Duke. My eyes follow back to the knot of street children, waiting by the tracks for fresh targets.
Every time I come to this part of town, they’re there, the little tramps hoping to torment me. The Deaf Girl. I only know they’re about if I can see them. They enjoy their pranks, so I keep an eye out.
My work for the Duke has not been a horrible job. But I am going nowhere. Then there is Kaliban. He might be someone worth staying around for. Surveying the station shows an airship moving higher up toward the mountain. I see it’s the small dirigible, holding only one pilot and regularly patrolling these mountains for my Duke. Down the tracks, I can detect the funnel of steam and smoke from the train’s approach.
My thoughts should be on whom I’m here to meet. But I do ponder, there must be more I can do with my life.
The train has a weekly schedule and mostly keeps to it. Much like the urchins. I watch as it pulls into the station. The street children approach, close to the tracks to accost any new arrivals. Beyond, the airship moves higher.
The train stops with billows of steam from the brake vents. Children jump back from it, mouths open and coats raggedy. I wonder. What does it sound like to them? I am sure she’s the one I want. Striking, standing about 168 centimeters and probably approaching forty-five kilos. She reminds me of a cousin of mine, in the Kashmir.
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Italian
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Already translated.
Translated by Francesca Pirisi
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Portuguese
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Already translated.
Translated by Mayra Moraes
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Spanish
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Already translated.
Translated by Luis E. Huizzi
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