A Door into Ocean
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| A Door into Ocean | |
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| Author | Joan Slonczewski |
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| Series | Elysium Cycle |
| Genre(s) | Science Fiction |
| Publisher | Arbor House (New York) |
| Publication date | 1986 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover & Paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0877957630 |
| Followed by | Daughter of Elysium |
A Door into Ocean is a 1986 feminist science fiction novel by Joan Slonczewski. The novel shows themes of ecofeminism and pacifism, combined with Slonczewski's own mastery of knowledge in the field of biology.
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[edit] Plot summary
The novel is set in the future, on the fictional planet of Shora, a moon covered by water. The inhabitants of this planet, known as Sharers, are all female. Sharers use genetic engineering to control the ecology of their planet. They are peaceful beings who "share" — that is, they have a spiritual and linguistic union with each other and treat everyone equally. The Sharers take egalitarianism for granted because they share and they lack the concept of "power-over", making their society one of peaceful harmony. When they are being threatened by an outside power, they resist nonviolently because they refuse to believe in power. With this spirituality, the Sharers can never be subdued by force.
[edit] Characters in A Door into Ocean
- Merwin
- Usha
- Spinel
- Uriel
- Lystra
- Berenice
[edit] Literary significance and reception
The 1985 Library Journal review highly recommends this novel, saying "Slonczewski creates and all-female nonviolent culture that reaches beyond feminism to a new definition of human nature".[1]
[edit] Awards and nominations
- A Door into Ocean won the 1987 John W. Campbell Memorial Award for Best Science Fiction Novel
- It was a nominee for the 1986 Prometheus Award for Best Novel[2]
[edit] Publication history
- 1986, USA, Arbor House ISBN 9780877957638, Pub Date 1986, Hardcover
- 1987, USA, Avon Books ISBN 978-0380701506, Pub Date February 1987, Paperback
- 1987, UK, Women's Press ISBN 978-0704340695, Pub Date 04 June 1987, Paperback
- 2000, USA, Orb Books ISBN 978-0312876524, Pub Date 13 October 2000, Paperback
