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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