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Etienne Barillier

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'Les Chiens de porcelaine' is the 2nd book in the series 'Les Brigades du Steam'. Like the first one, Le Bras de Fer (2019) (see my review here), it is set in France before the first World War, more precisely 1912. Both books are stand-alone, though obviously the second one contains small references to the first one or even Solange's past: how she became part of the Brigade, her close collaboration with her then partner-in-crime Pierre Franzin (who passed away in an untimely, but also dreadful way), and more. In that sense, this second volume is a little more complete, but also adds to the story told in the first volume.

Main character Solange Charbon de Tonnerre and her special, robotic arm continue to fascinate people with malign ideas and projects. The historical setting was a key ingredient in the first book and remains so in this new volume: former king Louis XVIII, Grand Prix drivers Georges Boillot and Louis Wagner, the car make Vinot-Deguinguand, and so much more, which I linked below.

Whereas the first book had extracts of the police handbook, this second book's chapters begin with an extract of a local newspaper (or the local police force's handbook) - Le Figaro, Le Petit Journal, L'anarchie, Le Matin, etc. - of that time, mainly the years 1910 and 1912. They are extracts that provide an indication of the respective chapters events. The French and Prussian police forces are, obviously, still each other's arch enemies.

Aside from the prologue, there are two parts:
* a re-introduction of Solange Charbon de Tonnerre and her trusty assistant Auguste and a slow uncovering of the lay of the land
* Solange and Auguste have a huge case on their hands, it's time to uncover the truth, the instigators, and solve the matter before the war breaks out.

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The prologue focuses on Paul Andret, head of the Permanent Memories department. He was also responsible for a machine, a sort of computer, that would instantly and from all across the country, collect any valuable information for the police forces, and allow to communicate that information to all brigades concerned. However, the Prussians learned of this and tried to put a stop to this machine. Sadly, Andret was hit, had to undergo an operation, similar to the one Solange Charbon de Tonnerre had undergone. She one of her arms, he one of his legs. By orders of Georges Clemanceau aka the Tiger. Under the Quai d'Orfèvres is where the machine is hidden and worked on, but there's also a gruesome aspect to its workings, deeper underground. Of course, for this machine to communicate instantly with the brigades, each brigade also had its proper machine and one or a few people who had full access. For the rest, access was restricted for security reasons.

Solange Charbon de Tonnerre, feared commissary with the iron arm, and her partner-in-crime Auguste Genovesi were not really on an official mission, rather on a holiday, watching a car race, in which the aforementioned racers were participating. When one of the cars broke down, Solange rescued its driver by using the power of her iron arm. Even if they were trying to keep a low profile, a journalist thriving on scoops was never far off. The car crash was a little suspected, could someone have sabotaged the car? Ein Fall für Zwei, like the German detective series. It would turn out to be a technical breakdown, as the car was a prototype. This case would just be an appetizer for things to come. Work is never far off, even during a holiday.

Solange's plead for a new arm, as her current one had become faulty a little too often, resulted in a "No can do." from Paris, or in other words, if Solange wanted a new arm or have her current one thoroughly repaired, she was on her own and at her own expenses. Luckily there was an artisan not too far from where she and Auguste were residing: a certain Laurent Condot. Only, upon their arrival, Mr Condot would be in no capacity to help her. And so, another case was added to Solange's and August's list, while another journalist, Hervé Lovinet, would turn up now and then, not in the least as he was amassing all the information he could obtain about Solange. He worked for Le Petit Parisien and had written various pieces about her. There would also be other journalists, of course, but a certain Samuel Auprat, working for L'Œil de la police (The Eye of the Police), would be most prominent.

An important historical event that served as a basis for the story is the workers' strike of 1905 in Limoges, when the porcelain industry was one of the most affected. And would you know that porcelain was one of the crucial elements of Solange's iron arm? As various artisans were seeking to invent new technologies on steam in combination with porcelain, it was an opportunity not to be missed for Solange.

However, the local brigade was barely aware of what happened with Mr Condot, or they had been informed, via Andret's machine (see the prologue), that Solange was to take over the case. Hence the machine really sending out information very fast and where it's needed. You see, even back then, more than a century ago, they had fast internet. ;-)

Finding the culprit would not be an easy undertaking, but in the end, a certain Mr Alluaud, also a 'mobilard' (or mobile police agent) had anarchistic interests. He was in the know of what had happened, sent Solange and Auguste to Saint-Michel de Solignac, a 12th century abbey converted later, by king Louis XVIII, into a porcelain factory. An event for "upgraded" people was held, and if Solange and Auguste wanted to attend this event and find other leads regarding the Condot case, they'd need a disguise. Or would they? The audience consisted of only upgraded people like Solange, so why bother hiding yourself? As Solange would seek technical help - there was a little market, too, after all, where various protheses were sold. Meanwhile, August would attend a dog fight (with upgraded dogs) and even get in touch with workers who fought for their rights during the so-called porcelain strike. It wouldn't take that long before Auguste would find Solange missing.

As one of the reasons for Solange's quest is finding a new arm, the historical references must follow, like the one about Alexis Carrel, a French surgeon who'd won a Nobel Prize in 1912.
Solange woke up in a faraway castle on the domain of count André de Roquevaire. He set up a philantropic project: helping every "handicapped" person (= everyone with a prothesis, be it an arm, a hand, a leg, ...), whereas normal society was incapable to providing adequate help. The only favour these "patients" were to return was to remain on the domain, to continue their lives there, in a enclosed community. But as you might guessed, when such favours are asked, something's not right. Auguste's extensive research would uncover part of the truth, thanks to Alphonse Bertillon's discovery of anthropometry to identify people based on physical measurements. Solange, on the other hand, would be in seventh heaven (arm repaired, porcelain fingers installed) and firmly convinced of the projects aim. There was trouble ahead, though, as anarchists could no longer remain silent; something had to give, even at he heavily guarded domain. Yes, here as well there were upgraded dogs. A scene reminiscent of 'The Simpsons', where Mr Burns uttered the classic phrase: "Smithers, release the hounds!". Not only people were "upgraded", dogs too underwent a similar operation... on purpose. Until those dogs turned against their masters and attacked anyone human, without distinction: anarchists, Solange and August, ... Hence the title: porcelain was part of their upgrade to make them ferocious killing machines.

Remember Samuel Auprat, the journalist who worked for 'L'Œil de la police'? He was there, when Auguste and Solange were fighting the final boss in a Zeppelin on its way to destroy an important tower at La Rochelle. War was close to breaking out, after all. An exciting unfolding until the bitter end. Or was it bitter? Yes, as a few years later, war would break out. Ypres, Belgium, was one of the most hit cities and Auguste would experience it from the front row. But doesn't each black cloud have a silver lining?

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With each new volume, we get to know more about Solange Charbon de Tonnerre and her new partner-in-crime Auguste Genovesi, who's still not fully integrated into the 13th Mobile Brigade, though he's a very loyal and capable agent. You could compare it with Metallica losing their bassist Cliff Burton in the 1980s, something the band never got over it, hence then new bassist Jason Newsted having had to undergo hurtful teasing in his first years. In 'Les Chiens de porcelaine', Solange has had a lot of time to reminisce about her past, her present, her being "different, but not really accepted" vs being "different and accepted", therefore being blinded by what she went through on the count's domain. Faithful Auguste, on the other hand, remained vigilant until the end.

The biggest selling point of 'Les Brigades du Steam' were its historical references, in my humble opinion. With 'Les Chiens de porcelaine', a stand-alone sequel of sorts, Cécile Duquenne and Étienne Barillier have raised the bar to produce a novel that is quite captivating, exciting and a serious page-turner. Once again, the historical references play a huge role in bringing the story to life and encouraging the reader to learn about the past in an entertaining and accessible way.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.

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Interview with both authors: actusf.com
… (lisätietoja)
 
Merkitty asiattomaksi
TechThing | Aug 5, 2022 |
This little guide on Steampunk is an improved/updated re-edition of the version that came out in 2013: [b:Le Guide Steampunk|18215238|Le Guide Steampunk|Étienne Barillier|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1374217982s/18215238.jpg|25641020].

Steampunk is first of all a literary (sub)genre, related to science fiction. The stories (usually) take place in the 19th century, the Victorian era, the era of [a:Jules Verne|696805|Jules Verne|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1322911579p2/696805.jpg] and [a:Arthur Conan Doyle|2448|Arthur Conan Doyle|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1495008883p2/2448.jpg], to name just these two examples. But of course, it didn't really start there, as something and/or someone must have influenced these guys to write their stories like they were written.

The late 19th century is when the Industrial Revolution took place, which is reflected in the various stories, but also in the costumes people wear at conventions/festivals. Classic (and cliché) elements like high hats, goggles, cogwheels, ... are omnipresent and are an easily recognisable feature of steampunk. But there's more to the genre than this.

Étienne Barillier and Arthur Morgan (French-Steampunk.fr) have joined forces to compile a guide about steampunk, covering literature, films/movies, music, games, clothing, and more; with each theme, you'll find various short reviews, recommendations, and of course interviews with respective authors and artists.

At first, you get a short introduction on what steampunk is and where you can find it in today's society. Next is a foreword by [a:Selena Chambers|13650215|Selena Chambers|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1506608727p2/13650215.jpg], who gives her thoughts on the genre/movement/lifestyle/what-have-you.

But what is steampunk really? Where does the term come from? Here, the two authors try to explain it in 10 questions, including authors like Jules Verne, [a:H.G. Wells|880695|H.G. Wells|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1547736853p2/880695.jpg], ..., if there is something like French steampunk (yes, there is and plenty of it, too), the characteristics of steampunk, and so on.

Once this is digested, you're ready for the full ride: the literary history of steampunk. Where did it all begin? What came "first"? What are the best-known and most-influential works? Which authors contributed? For example, the trio [a:James P. Blaylock|86475|James P. Blaylock|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1359942705p2/86475.jpg] - [a:K.W. Jeter|1003655|K.W. Jeter|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1363305061p2/1003655.jpg] - [a:Tim Powers|8835|Tim Powers|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1373471978p2/8835.jpg] seems to have been of utmost importance for the birth and rise of ("modern") steampunk. They were also interviewed for this guide and you can clearly distinguish their personalities, with - in my humble opinion and based on the man's answers - Mr Jeter being quite a serious man. Tim Powers seems to be the more "loose" one of the pack. In any case, it's interesting to read their take on steampunk and their role as "forefathers", though they don't it seriously themselves, are more considered like that by the outside world.

The literature part also contains interviews with French authors, like [a:Mathieu Gaborit|279191|Mathieu Gaborit|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1422363735p2/279191.jpg], [a:Stéphane Tamaillon|4732152|Stéphane Tamaillon|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], and others. In the recommendations, other French authors are mentioned. English steampunk(-related) novels and authors are also tackled.

Steampunk is also present in comics, manga, and on the internet. Writers and drawers/graphical artists don't just come from France, the UK or the US. Asian (and particularly Japanese) artists and writers also invest heavily in their craft.

The multimedia side of the guide covers the steampunk found in films/movies, short films, television, games (boardgames, computer games, ...), and music (bands/artists who use steampunk in their lyrics, in their costumes, ..., regardless of the musical genre, be it metal, hip-hop, or otherwise). Here too, you'll find a handful of interviews and recommendations.

You can't discuss steampunk without mentioning the outfits, the clothing. As mentioned above, many apply the typical elements: goggles, cogwheels, high hats, even a specific type of gun/revolver. These elements have become so cliché, that designers urge people (fans and novices) to look for other ways to express the "punk" in steampunk, to use one's eyes and ears and exchange ideas and inspiration.

It is said (written) that steampunk also involves a DIY-mentality. Steampunk, as it refers in the majority of the cases to the 19th century, is based on an era in which machines and various could still be repaired when broken, whereas nowadays, with modern technology (computers, smartphones, and alike), when something is broken, you can't repair it any more (because of how the product is manufactured), so you're obliged to buy a new(er) copy.

Mr Barillier and Mr Morgan also provided a list of websites where fans and novices can find more information on steampunk, in its various forms.

Last but not least, there are some international conventions worthy of mentioning. Added to that are a few interviews with organisers and with [a:Ann VanderMeer|410598|Ann VanderMeer|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1494889137p2/410598.jpg], known for her steampunk-anthologies.

Looking back at the various interviews with a diverse range of "steampunks" (authors, designers, ...), it's clear that they agree on several aspects on the one hand, but on the other hand, they each have an own opinion and take on what steampunk is, what is represents, what it entails. And that's also something positive, as it shows that steampunk is not something fixed, but rather allows for new ideas, new influences, new directions.

Long story short: There are a gazillion books about steampunk (and stories featuring steampunk elements) out there, be them in English, French, or another language. I've seen more than a handful (in French, translated or otherwise) these past few years. I've always wondered what made steampunk so attractive, why I kept seeing so many people dressed up like in the 19th century, what the fuss was with the goggles/high hats/...
After having read this little book, I have acquired a better understanding of people's interest and love for this genre. I might even dive into some of the books that made this genre come to life, even though I've already read more recent works in which steampunk was an ingredient.

This nifty guide contains a lot of information on all things steampunk and is a very good starting point for those uninitiated - not that the connoisseurs shouldn't consult it; on the contrary, even - in the genre, the lifestyle, the steam or the punk in the steam.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.

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… (lisätietoja)
 
Merkitty asiattomaksi
TechThing | Jan 22, 2021 |
This new edition (2019) is a revised and updated version of the book that was published in 2012, but is no longer available: [b:Le Petit guide à trimbaler de Philip K. Dick|26194007|Le Petit guide à trimbaler de Philip K. Dick|Étienne Barillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1440954886l/26194007._SX50_.jpg|27368700]. As it goes with guides like this one, they aim to offer a general, yet clear and accessible overview of the author in question.

Each chapter is preceded by a quote from Philip K. Dick.

What do you learn about the master of Sci-Fi, [a:Philip K. Dick|4764|Philip K. Dick|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1264613853p2/4764.jpg]? Well, first of all and obviously: the man's writing career. From early age, he was destined to write, to become an author. As a teen, he wanted to be a writer of general literature, not Sci-Fi. However, as the stories he wrote were set in Sci-Fi settings, or at least contained Sci-Fi ideas, these were the works that attracted publishers. Not his general stories, which nobody was interested in.

Several of his early writings are lost forever, yet information exists about the various premises. Mr Barillier starts with the early works of Mr PKD and advances towards contemporary times. Little by little, you see an evolution in stories, in ideas. Especially in the years 1950 and 1960, PKD was as prolific as can be, one story after another, especially influenced by a.o. the pulpy Sci-Fi in those days. With each presented work, be it a novel or short-story (or film, indeed), you get information like:

* the title
* the working title
* year of publication and publisher
* publications in French (year, publisher, media [magazine, novel, ...])
* synopsis/summary
* commentary by Mr Barillier: background information on the publication (for instance, what Dick meant to convey), information on related works (books, films, radio-shows, ...)

His personal life, in light of his author career, is also given some space. Mr Dick has had his happy moments, but from what I've read, most of his life was a very turbulent ride. Losing his sister early on, getting married a handful of times, moving a few times (from Chicago to California, to begin with), lots of drugs (amphetamines, smoking, ...), etc. The latter (drugs) also influencing his writing, of course. His outlook on life seems to have been pretty dark, which explains his dark stories. However, there were times where sunshine broke through the rain-clouds.

What I've read so far about or by PKD:
* [b:The Penultimate Truth|41064|The Penultimate Truth|Philip K. Dick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1519091756l/41064._SY75_.jpg|209478] (my review)
* [b:Philip K Dick Goes to Hollywood|29225990|Philip K Dick Goes to Hollywood|Léo Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1455912903l/29225990._SX50_.jpg|49463405] by the French author [a:Léo Henry|2490246|Léo Henry|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/m_50x66-82093808bca726cb3249a493fbd3bd0f.png] (my review)

Other works are on my wish-list (The Man in the High Castle, A Scanner Darkly, VALIS, Ubik, ...), but as my TBR-pile is still massively high, chances are small I'll soon read another PKD-novel. But one never knows.

Philip K. Dick had a lot of unpublished notes, ideas, visions, all known under the term 'Exegesis'. This little guide offers a bit of insight into what this stands for, what it entails. More information is of course available on Wikipedia (here) and elsewhere on the WWW. Your "friend" Google will guide you, if it wants to. Or you could look for and buy the book: [b:The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick|10887550|The Exegesis of Philip K. Dick|Philip K. Dick|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327883164l/10887550._SY75_.jpg|15803284] (to link one edition).

Adaptations of PKD's works are part of this guide, too. Films (Total Recall, Minority Report, Blade Runner, and many more; each of them also provided with background information and explanations), radio-shows, television series, video-games, and so on. There were even films and theatrical pieces that can be considered "Dickian", in that they contain or are based on the ideas and themes that PKD used in his stories. Of these sorts of art, you also get a few examples.

This guide contains two interviews in the context of films about PKD's works: one with Jérôme Boivin (French film director), and an extract of the one with John Alan Simon (available in its entirety and in English on www.dickien.fr (direct link).

No guide would be complete without lists:
* Studies on anything Philip K. Dick: biographies, his works, Dickian films, ...
* Websites (English and French) about anything Philip K. Dick
* Documentaries
* ...

For obvious reasons, as the man has written an enormous amount of stories and novels, a guide wouldn't be a guide, if it didn't point the reader into a certain direction. Here, Mr Barillier offered some suggestions of where to start with PKD's short-stories and his novels. It's one way to approach the man's legacy, as there are others for those already familiar with his stories.

Like Mr Barillier's other guide ([b:Le Guide Steampunk|44587944|Le Guide Steampunk|Étienne Barillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553502859l/44587944._SY75_.jpg|25641020]; my review), which he co-wrote with [a:Arthur Morgan|1756021|Arthur Morgan|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png], this revised version of [b:Le guide Philip K. Dick|49443478|Le guide Philip K. Dick|Étienne Barillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1576706631l/49443478._SY75_.jpg|27368700] is a very good, all-round starting point into the world of Philip K. Dick. More than a handful of titles to choose from, and continue from there.

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I was sent this book by Éditions ActuSF for review. Many thanks to them for the trust.

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My sole remark(s) would be:
* The quotes at the beginning of each chapter should have been printed larger, for visual reasons (current font-size: 6 or so?).
* Related, although I understand it's probably out of economic reasons: It wouldn't hurt to increase the font size overall. Now, I'm afraid it's not 12, but 9 or 10 (rough guess). Some texts end (with barely 5 lines) on the next page, leaving a massive amount of white space. Increase the font-size, fill up the white-space a bit more.

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On my TBR-pile, also by Mr Barillier: [b:Les Brigades du Steam|49826845|Les Brigades du Steam|Étienne Barillier|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577199275l/49826845._SX50_.jpg|74087332], co-authored with [a:Cécile Duquenne|5222877|Cécile Duquenne|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png].
… (lisätietoja)
 
Merkitty asiattomaksi
TechThing | Jan 22, 2021 |

Tilastot

Teokset
9
Jäseniä
42
Suosituimmuussija
#357,757
Arvio (tähdet)
4.2
Kirja-arvosteluja
3
ISBN:t
11