The Carpet Makers is a science fiction book that was originally written in German. It has been translated into English by request of American author Orson Scott Card, and frankly, that was the reason I checked it out of the library.
The premise is that for millenia, men have been tying carpets using the hair of their wives and daughters. The creation of one carpet (more of a rug) takes an entire lifetime, and some men die the minute they sell it (an honorable death). Each carpet is sold when completed, and the money from that purchase is given to the carpet maker's son, who then uses that money to live on as he raises his own family (one son allowed, but many daughters encouraged) and creates a hair carpet for the next generation's benefit.The book is interesting in that it lacks a linear storyline but instead uses short stories, some involving the same characters, to slowly answer the question: What are the hair carpets? Where do they go after they are sold?
The carpet makers believe they go to cover the floor of the deified Emperor's palace. There are rumors, however, that the Emperor (always capitalized) is dead. Of course, that's heresy and impossible, besides. Everyone knows the Emperor is immortal.
The answer to the question of where the hair carpets go is the reason this is one of the most ridiculous books I have ever read. It comes out of left field. I'm pretty sure no one expected this.
As for the atrocity bit, the Emperor is terrible, as were his predecessors, and that's all I'll say about that.
The book is well written, though my husband complained about the lack of a main character or main story thread. I found it intriguing that the story thread was the investigation of a question. We go from a hair carpet maker's home to others in the village, to a merchant who buys a hair carpet, to another who's been buying several, and on from there. I don't think I've ever seen a book that is organized this way.
Warning for those who like happy endings: There are enough atrocities (there really is no better word for it) in this book that it doesn't leave you with a happy feeling at the end. Also, there is no distinct resolution.
One aspect of science fiction is that it is an avenue for critiquing one's society. It says, "Here is a problem in society today; let's make it bigger than it really is and see how things go." For example, 1984 by George Orwell was written in response to the leader worship Orwell was seeing in the world (see this letter for more on that).
The Carpet Makers reflects on tradition and how it can blind people to reality. It could also be considered a reflection on religion as a whole, and it doesn't put it in a positive light.
It makes me wonder whether there are any traditions I follow out of ignorance. I can see how others may be in this situation, but it's harder to see it in myself. Maybe that is part of what Eschbach is saying, and it's a sort of Plato's Cave. I can't see that reality is different from being as I see it because nobody has shown me anything different -- and even if they do tell me I'm wrong, I may not believe them.
Things to think about, which means that even with the atrocities and absurdity, this book is worth a read.
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