With explicit references to Verne, Burroughs,and Wells, "Darwinia" attempts to translate the trope of the riverine journey to the dark centre into a metaphysical and cybernetic meditation on moral choice. Replete with vivid imagery and original speculation, it collapses somewhat under the weight of its ambition as it strives for closure. Themes suggested by Lovecraft and Zelazny (in "Lord of Light" ) reappear in an occasionally chilling,if uneven, plot development. Overall, a startling example of the American need to continually redefine itself in relation to Europe and its capacity for chaos.