It is a deeply spiritual book without being sectarian, not an easy task in this day, but an important accomplishment. The forces which contend are large and of perennial interest, but their treatment is not simplistic, for they all coexist and intersect: the natural world versus human civilization, spiritual good versus worldly gain, the urge toward innocence versus the impetus to growth. The story is about regaining a balance lost, about human exploitation of Nature, and of one another.

The author writes with attention to language, judicious use of detail, and sympathy toward all her characters, allowing her readers to draw the mirror for themselves between the novel's universe and ours. We may even, if we wish, see humanity through the heroine who is both bright and passionate, sensitive and courageous - and deeply feminine.

Zollocco is written to be savored. The reader need not drop everything she is doing to rush nervously into the next chapter, although there is plenty of incentive to keep going.

I noticed a happy coincidence in my habits with this book. There is a persistent theme throughout of harmony with nature, of the power of the unspoiled forest to move the spirit. The day before I finished reading Zollocco, I suddenly realized that I had not read a word of this book indoors - quite unplanned, I had always been outside with the sun and sky above me, the grass at my feet, and hedges and trees nearby. This was a most splendid setting in which to enjoy this tale of finding one's true place.

Delectable Literary Science Fiction  Jan 29, 2012
By Mallory_Supernatural Aficionado
Oh, I LIKE this book! I hadn't read science fiction in quite a long time, but was drawn to read and review this novel because of the sentient forests, which appeal to me as an environmentalist. The author is just so skillful at relating the differing points of view-first person in both cases, from the Forest Consciousness and from the human-that these point of view changes are seamless. Yet enough information is given that the reader can immediately empathise and comprehend. Odd as it might seem to some, the Forest and its denizens (not just trees, but moss, reeds, grass, rocks, brooks, etc.) are well-rounded characters, each working toward the goals and benefit of the entirety.

The prose in this novel is delicious, and the approach of viewing the human as "alien," as she is to The Forest and to the planet, is delightful. So many of humankind's xenophobic reactions (which manifest in our reality not only as fear and loathing of potential extraterrestrial life, but as hatred and fear of each other) are found in the Consciousness stream of thought of The Forest, and its individual component denizens. Of course humans seem smelly, insecure, unlivable-aren't these complaints leveled at those who are not "of our kind" even though they are clearly human too? From the viewpoint of The Forest, we can also look back to Earth and witness the destructive potential so barely contained on our planet. Even The Forest consciousness is able to pick up references from the human female's unconscious mind.

"Zolloco: A Novel of Another Universe" is an absolutely glorious novel. I'm blessed to have discovered it, and intend to read all the author's other books. I may well return to reading science fiction as a genre choice now-may it all be as wonderful as this novel. I highly recommend it, and not only for lovers of science fiction. Literary fiction enthusiasts will find much here to value as well, as will those who enjoy fantasy, and poetic imagery.

Zollocco: A Novel of Another Universe

Feminine, moving  Aug 24, 2006
By Tracey
I read this as an e-book over 4 years ago and the story has lingered in my mind since then. It is unique in that it is science fiction, yet spiritual, and environmentally conscious. I have purchased the book in a "physical" form so that I can read it again and again.

Strong social message in an interesting story  Jul 19, 2005
By Paul Lappen
This story is about a woman who, having escaped from a dying Earth, lands on a planet governed by sentient forests in the solar system Imenkapur. At first, the forest, called Zollocco, doesn't want her there, but slowly changes its "mind" after realizing that the woman is at least trying to live in harmony with the forest.

She is captured by, and made the property of, the Toelakhan, an interstellar corporation not in agreement with the forests' stewardship of the planets. She escapes, and runs from planet to planet, meeting other civilizations living in tune with the forests. She is made a priestess of the forests, but the Toelakhan is always one step behind her, wanting their property back.

Included in the book are vignettes about life on an Earth that has become an environmental disaster area. Through some new version of Eminent Domain, houses are flattened and parking lots are torn up to create space to plant trees, because breathing masks are required at all times when one is outside. The ozone layer, even over America, has become very thin. Faneuil Hall in Boston is now on the waterfront, because of global warming. An expedition is made to the flooded, and evacuated, Boston Financial District to gather up all the house plants in all those offices and keep them alive to produce much needed oxygen.

This one is very good. It has a rather strong social message, but it also has an interesting story that will get the reader thinking. It is well worth the time.