book review

Book Review — _Emphyrio_, by Jack Vance

Posted by Lisa or Li on


Emphyrio book cover by Ned Dameron

I had no idea what this book was about when I started reading it, but the first thing I noticed was the distinctive style of the writer. An e-book with a built in dictionary came in handy while reading it, and my vocabulary is improved after reading it.

Without giving away too much, it is set in the future, where space travel is commonplace and many worlds have been colonized by humans and other sentient life forms. The bulk of the story is set on a planet where evidence of wartime destruction is everywhere. The workers are skilled craftspeople, religious, and orderly. Most live in humble abodes, and most are on the dole. In the clouds above live the wealthy, who sometimes come down to the planet to slum and get their jollies.

The main character, Ghyl, and his father, Amiante, are woodcarvers whose intricate panels fetch fortunes on other worlds. Emphyrio is Ghyl’s search in the past that may make things better in the future.

Emphyrio is a revolutionary tome, one that will stay with me for a very long time — and a highly recommended story for others to read.

7 Comments Add yours

  1. Dale's avatar Dale says:
    February 10, 2026 at 3:40 pm

    Probably not the type of book I would pick up but now shall go into my possibility pile!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      February 10, 2026 at 8:29 pm

      I’m glad the brief review piqued your interest, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Dale's avatar Dale says:
        February 10, 2026 at 10:13 pm

        It did!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  2. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:
    February 10, 2026 at 8:30 pm

    I read a lot of science fiction in my 20s and I feel like I must have read at least one of his books. If I ever start reading a lot again, it’s a genre I will return to. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      February 10, 2026 at 8:36 pm

      K, I did also. I picked sci-fi up from my ex-husband and was happy to do so. It’s probably my favorite genre after subversive fiction. Please read this book if you do. I guarantee you’ll find it intriguing.

      Liked by 1 person

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  3. Carol anne's avatar Carol anne says:
    February 16, 2026 at 10:02 pm

    sounds like a very interesting book! <3

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:
      February 17, 2026 at 1:23 pm

      CA, it is. I highly recommend it.

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