Hominids is a technically smooth novel with a pleasing style and sense of balance that is also very interesting in its theme and content. The parallel-running plot is straightforward and sound, with enough surprise to be interesting but enough integrity to avoid any sort of deus ex machina.
The story focuses primarily on Ponter Bonditt and Adikor Huld, who are Neanderthals from Earth from a parallel universe, and Mary Vaughan, a geneticist from Earth from the universe we know.
During an experiment in quantum computing in the Neanderthal universe, Ponter is accidentally transported to a Canadian neutrino lab in our universe. Ponter meets Mary Vaughn and other scientists who take responsibility and work to shelter and protect him.
Hominids (Neanderthal Parallax, #1) by Robert J. Sawyer, 2002
Running parallel to Ponter's story are a series of events occurring in the Neanderthal dimension. Within an abandoned underground mine located in the exact same location on Earth as the Canadian neutrino lab, Ponter's research and male life-partner Adikor Huld cannot explain why their experiment in quantum computing resulted in Ponter's disappearance. Before he can get very far into his investigation, Adikor finds himself under investigation and brought to trial for Ponter Bonditt's murder.
- A multicultural cast of characters
- Pop culture references from the early 2000s (about 1999-2002)
- Everyone for the parallel universe is bisexual and finds heterosexuality boring
- The companion- an electronic device/computer/biotech implanted withing the body; with various amazing uses (universal translator, encyclopedia/recording)
- Usenet newsgroups (I miss reading feeds)
things I didn't mind:
- The religion aspect. Not that it was preachy or uninteresting.
- Flatness of the secondary characters.
- The rape.
things I didn't expect or made me shake my head:
- Anna Nicole Smith. Yes she was mentioned in the book as a reference
- Handspring Vizor. Oh, how I wanted one at the time. Sigh.
- News snippets and coverage that started some chapters
My rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)
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