Sunday Story Ratings #08: Shadow of the Torturer
Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe
Originally published 1980; this edition 2000
Publisher: Gollancz
MA15+
(V, S, N)
Strong Violence
Frequent Sexual References
Some Nudity
Representations
Gender:
First-person narration by a male character, providing no room for any female perspective.
Sex:
The narrator is homophobic and sexist, with no indication these values aren't shared by the world at large.
Race & Ethnicity:
There may have been some racial variety, but the only indications I received for specific characters is that they are white; whiteness as a sign of aristocracy. Similarly, the most ethnic divisions presented took the form of social castes.
Disability, Physical Diversity and Health:
Primarily manifest in the effects of torturers practising their craft. At one point the narrator does suggest he is insane. The highest aristocratic caste are distinguished by their great height, and the narrator often claims to possess an absolute or perhaps merely eidetic memory.
Awards
Winner: British Science Fiction Award, SF Novel
3rd: John W. Campbell Award
2nd: Locus Poll Award, Best Fantasy Novel
Winner: World Fantasy Award, Best Novel