Pavane by Keith Roberts
285 pages
Originally published in 1968
How to describe Pavane? Two things are simple to say: first, it’s a fix-up novel, or a mosaic. A collection of stories set in the same universe that are brought together and presented as a novel.
Second, it’s an alternate history. In 1588, says the prologue, Queen Elizabeth I was assassinated, which set into motion a series of events that prevented the Protestant Reformation. The Catholic Church (the political, militant Catholic Church) ended up controlling half the world. These stories take place over a few generations in the late 20th century.
The things that are more difficult to convey about the book are how beautifully it’s written and how vivid and moving the stories are.
Also difficult are my mixed feelings about the presentation of the Catholic Church, which is not really the Catholic Church at all. The world is very different under its stifling power, the most obvious thing being that the Church has prevented the use of many technological advances. The Pope issues papal bulls with titles like “Petroleum Veto” that forbid the use of internal combustion engines. The remnant of the Inquisition (called the Court of Spiritual Welfare) is present, too.
Yet the 20th century feudal world presented is a fascinating setting, and the stories are very moving, like I said. And then there’s The Coda – the last short story in the book – which is thought provoking.
This is a book that I’m not likely to forget.
Neil Gaiman Presents did an audio version of this over on Audible. Stephen Crossley narrates. I listened to a couple of stories and it was excellent. Gaiman’s introduction is a nice bonus.
Added: I would compare Keith Roberts (this book, anyway) to Gene Wolfe, Jack Vance, Tim Powers.
Julie and I discussed Pavane on the A Good Story is Hard to Find podcast, episode 89.
