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Book Review By J. Lee
Forty Thousand in Gehenna by C.J. Cherryh

Forty Thousand in Gehenna is a science fiction novel set in C. J. Cherryh's Union-Alliance universe.

Forty thousand Union humans and azi (human clones who grow up learning and being psychologically conditioned by "tape", i.e. machine learning) are sent to the newly discovered Gehenna, one of a very few habitable planets. They are unaware that Union intends from the very start to abandon them there; it is inevitable that the planet will fall under the control of the rival Alliance. The throwaway contingent is simply a cheap way to impede the Alliance. The novel tells the stories of a particular azi and his descendants. With the passing generations, distinctions between natural-born humans and the much more numerous second-class azi gradually disappear.

Gehenna turns out to have a sentient species, the lizardlike Caliban. Though the Caliban think in a very different fashion, some of them pair off with humans, forming some sort of mental or emotional link with their partners. (Some humans adapt their thinking to that of the Caliban, living among them as "weirds".) Gradually two very different societies develop: a militaristic, aggressive one and one more peaceful and cooperative.

When Gehenna is discovered by the Alliance, observers and scientists are sent to gather information. During this time, the two competing societies go to war to determine which will be the model for the future relationship between humans and Caliban.


Plot & Themes
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture Yes
Descript. of chases or violence - 20 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 10 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 40 %
Intense exploration of society's culture? Yes

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status:
Age: - 40's-50's

Setting
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - inhabited by friendly aliens - primitive aliens
Planet outside solar system? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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