I recently stumbled upon this list of scifi based on Invasive Species, and one that caught my eye was “The Pollinators of Eden” by John Boyd. Unfortunately, finding a physical copy was a challenge, so I opted for the online version on Open Library.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Boyd’s novel takes readers on a thought-provoking adventure that blends the essence of the 1960s with a futuristic setting in the year 225x. The retro-futurism aspect adds a fun and nostalgic touch to the narrative, creating an interesting backdrop for the story to unfold.

However, one aspect that stands out is the unusual emphasis on sexuality throughout the book. The main character, Freda Caron, initially presents herself as a tight-laced, career-driven woman with an aversion to physical contact. However, her character undergoes a rather forced transformation, facilitated by the consumption of multiple martinis, leading to her becoming sexually liberated and even engaging in intimate encounters with an orchid, eventually giving birth to a large seed. This character growth feels contrived and lacks a genuine development, appearing more like a checkbox of sexual encounters rather than a meaningful exploration of her personal journey.

The novel also introduces the intriguing theme of the end of the universe, and trying to allow some survival of humanity past this upcoming end, which could have been a fascinating story in its own right. However, it seems to be incorporated primarily to serve as a catalyst for Freda’s unusual outcome of giving birth to a seedling, which is portrayed as a positive outcome. This aspect of the narrative feels somewhat forced and detracts from the potential depth that could have been explored in the exploration of the universe’s demise.

Overall, “The Pollinators of Eden” is an engaging read, particularly if you’re seeking a short novel that transports you to a different era. It offers a blend of retro-futurism and thought-provoking ideas, even though the unusual focus on sexuality and the contrived character growth of Freda may be off-putting for some readers. If you’re open to unconventional tales and can look past these quirks, you’ll find enough intrigue and originality to make the journey worthwhile.

If you want something which stands up better to the test of time, I recommend Green Patches by Asimov.