The Years of Rice and Salt: A Journey Through a Forgotten History

The Years of Rice and Salt is a sweeping historical novel by Kim Stanley Robinson that tells the story of the Thousand Year Peace, a period of time in which there is no war. The novel follows the lives of several characters who live through this period, and explores the different ways that people deal with the absence of conflict.

The Years of Rice and Salt: A Novel

by Kim Stanley Robinson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3362 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	784 pages

FREE

The novel begins in the year 2025, after a devastating global war has wiped out most of the world's population. The survivors are left to rebuild their lives in a world that is very different from the one they knew before. There is no government, no law, and no economy. People are forced to live by their own wits, and they must learn to cooperate with each other if they want to survive.

The Thousand Year Peace begins in the year 2045, when a group of people come together to create a new society based on the principles of peace and cooperation. This society is called the Green Commune, and it quickly becomes a model for other communities around the world. The Green Commune is based on the idea that all people are equal, and that everyone has the right to a good life. The people of the Green Commune live in harmony with nature, and they strive to create a sustainable society that will last for generations to come.

The Thousand Year Peace is not without its challenges. There are those who believe that the peace is too fragile, and that it will eventually be broken by war. There are also those who believe that the peace is too restrictive, and that it stifles individual freedom. However, the people of the Green Commune are determined to make the peace last. They know that the only way to ensure a lasting peace is to create a society that is just and equitable for all.

The Years of Rice and Salt is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel that explores the possibilities and challenges of a world without war. Robinson's characters are complex and believable, and his story is both realistic and hopeful. The Years of Rice and Salt is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of war and peace, or in the future of humanity.

Characters

The Years of Rice and Salt features a large cast of characters, each of whom represents a different perspective on the Thousand Year Peace. The main characters include:

• Kieron: A young man who is born into the Green Commune. He is idealistic and believes that the peace will last forever.
• Nia: A woman who is born outside of the Green Commune. She is skeptical of the peace, and she believes that it will eventually be broken by war.
• Yusuf: A man who is a member of the Green Commune. He is a skilled craftsman, and he believes that the peace is the only way to ensure a sustainable future.
• Miriam: A woman who is a member of the Green Commune. She is a healer, and she believes that the peace is a time for healing and reconciliation.

Themes

The Years of Rice and Salt explores a number of themes, including:

• The nature of war and peace: Robinson explores the different ways that people think about war and peace. He argues that there is no such thing as a "just war," and that all wars are ultimately destructive.
• The importance of community: Robinson shows how people can come together to create a better world. He argues that community is essential for human survival and happiness.
• The power of hope: Robinson shows how hope can inspire people to overcome even the most difficult challenges. He argues that hope is essential for a better future.

Reception

The Years of Rice and Salt has been praised by critics for its realism, its complexity, and its hopeful message. The novel has won numerous awards, including the Nebula Award for Best Novel and the Hugo Award for Best Novel. It has also been translated into more than 20 languages.

The Years of Rice and Salt is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of war and peace, or in the future of humanity. It is a thought-provoking and inspiring novel that will stay with you long after you finish it.

The Years of Rice and Salt: A Novel

by Kim Stanley Robinson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3362 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	784 pages

FREE