Isle of the Dead

Francis Sandow, a telepathic man that has seen centuries pass, has learned the art of world creation through the channeling of one of a pantheon of gods from the mythology of a different species. This career has amassed him incalculable personal wealth, and also a long list of enemies. Sandow must travel to a world of his own creation to solve a mystery in which his own long since dead friends have becomes resurrected, while he fears foul play. Isle of the Dead should really be considered closer to a straight up fantasy novel. While there are some science fiction motifs, Zelazny hardly tries to make anything that happens appear to be scientific, or even logical.

Zelazny's writing here is mixed at best. The beginning of the book felt like jumbled mess of various ideas as he tries to set his feet in his own world. An interlude concerning the ethics of tipping culture was especially confusing. The writing improved dramatically for the middle section of the book, as he describes Sandow venturing into his own long forgotten world. The prose style is short but beautiful, as a god looks upon his creation with a touching tenderness. I also enjoyed the sections in which Sandow joins an old friend on a spiritual send-off before his death.  The ending was so-so in my opinion. It was rather anti-climatic. My major point of contention here was the tone itself. There's a certain smarmy quality that Zelazy writes in that makes me think that he wrote the book after one too many bourbons and a half a cigar. He is at times rather flippant in his writing, trying to make quips or sarcastic jokes that maybe landed 50 years ago, but certainly don't land now. He writes as though he identifies with Sandow in most aspects, which makes me maybe not like him as a person, as Sandow is not exactly the most relatable or empathic person. It feels a little greasy, especially for some of the subject matter. 

Zelazny apparently really like to explore mystical and religious themes, where men act as gods, or at least conduits for them. He likes to think about immortality and the consequences for humanity on the individual and societal level. How strong human emotions, especially things like righteous vengeance, can effect those around us and ourselves. These are some rather heavy topics, topics that deserve to explored with some amount of reverence and care. I just don't know if Zelanzny is up to the task, at least in this specific novel. The greasy quality of tone and writing style doesn't mix well with such lofty ambitions.