Ringworld is a mighty concept, and one which is an impressive creation. A (man?) made circular matter of ribbon six hundred miles long and 90 million miles in radius. As for a setting for a novel it takes some beating, and leaves many questions for the reader. Who put it there? Why? What will our heroes find on it? How will they escape?
The novel shines in the SF elements; the setting is fantastic, imaginative with much scope for a promising novel. His implementation of scientific theory into the novel works well to re-enforce his created concepts and gives credibility to his creations. The aliens themselves are suitably non-human in appearance and behaviour, which can be a concern in a novel set in a futuristic space environment.
Sadly a novel has to be more than an idea, and Ringworld suffers from dated attitudes and distinctly unlikable characters. Niven’s portrayal of women is uncomfortable reading, and makes several aspects of the novel hard to like. Teela’s presence is wasted on some exceptionally awkward sex scenes and a disappointing story arc. I found the pacing of the novel to be an issue also with things slowing considerably once our cast land on the ring.
Despite all this it is probably still worth a read, though it is the first SF Masterwork I've been disappointed with. The worldbuilding and setting alone is something to respect, but its age is showing through in its sexist overtones and disappointing characters.
Read from March 16 to April 02, 2013
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