Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
Myron learns that the Glicca goes wherever the cargo leads to that is if the incredibly inaccurate Handbook of the Planets guides them correctly. While Glicca rambles in space, Myron, learns of the LURULU, a follow your heart to find your soul Myth. With time to waste, Myron wants to help Maloof with a personal vendetta and become more knowledgeable of the differing cultures of the galaxy, but his LURULU remains undefined.
More a satirical series of vignettes, LURULU entertains the audience as if Seinfeld and crew were in space. Myron is terrific as he goes from one escapade to another learning the diversity of the universe, but wondering if that is all there is to life as his LURULU remains aimless and shapeless. Maloof is actually more complex than the lead character while the crew and those they meet on their journey add insight to Myron's meandering mentality. Though some sidebars seem unnecessary they augment the feel of endless eternal nothingness that seems to make up the vastness of space and the chaotic microcosm, Myron's mind. Not for everyone, Jack Vance has written a superb satirical tale ironically of life's petit meaninglessness.