Reviews
Return to Final Solution

Culling the length and breadth of speculative fiction as I do affords a number of peak moments, explosive discoveries. Imagine finding for the first time Delany, Disch, Lafferty. I can recreate in a blink the impact on me of my first exposure to D.G. Compton, Barry Malzberg, and Elizabeth Saxton. Well here's another one. Richard E. Peck in Final Solution (Doubleday) has written a yarn of the "if this goes on" category which will curl up your toes in delight. Coupled with a swift, bright, narrative style and a coruscating sense of humor is a sharply serious social commentary, generally encompassing the immediate future but most specifically dealing with the University. Take current trends in higher education -- the lowering of entrance requirements, the increasing voice of students in curriculum and administration and the purse-power of the government -- and extend, extrapolate them. Mix in a lot of laughter and an underlying sense of respect and responsible concern for education per se, throw in a fistful of genius for characterization (and caricature) and a fine feel for language, and you have a rough idea of Richard Peck's recipe -- and clear notice to watch for this name again.

Theodore Sturgeon, Galaxy Magazine

The author has a deft sense of language.

Edward Janusz, Garage Sale Gold