In Perspective
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| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | In Perspective |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor: | |
| Author(s): | Kay Stagg |
| Cover Artist(s): | |
| Illustrator(s): | Fiona Graves |
| Date(s): | 1991 |
| Medium: | |
| Size: | |
| Genre: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
In Perspective is a gen 177-page Star Trek: TOS novel by Kay Stagg.
The one black and white interior drawing is by Fiona Graves.
Summary
From a 1991 ad:
A new genzine (Kirk/Spock orientated, hurt/comfort); Kirk's problem of the present and haunting memories of the past weigh heavily on him until something happens to Spock and then at last he can put everything into perspective. [1]
Reactions and Reviews
The story is set just after events detailed in The Paradise Syndrome. Still depressed by Miramanee's death, Kirk is faced with a series of crises aboard the Enterprise: problems start with a missing freighter carrying essential supplies for essential supplies for the ship and culminate in Spock's capture by Orion pirates. Throw in toxic waste in a colony planet and time travel, and you have a story that is full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The Kirk/Spock relationship is explored; what is established about the pair is true to the development in the relationship that we see from the aired episodes up to, and including, The Paradise Syndrome.What I like about Kay's stories, apart from her handling of the Kirk/Spock relationship, is that she peoples her work with characters other than the Enterprise 'regulars', who are believable and who exist in their own right: for instance Andrea Tallon, temporarily assigned to the Enterprise, who dislikes Kirk; and the Will twins; and Dr. Timothy Thornton who is prejudiced against aliens... These characters make the Enterprise's universe real and solid, as does Kay's reference to people and incidents from the aired series.
I loved In Perspective and can recommend it as a good read. Last year sometime I said in a review that Too Many Avenues (also by Kay Stagg) was my favourite zine; I often reread it (that Kirk/Spock reunion scene gets you right there; and the humour of the prison episode...) Well, I liked In Perspective just as much.[2]
The author gives the following synopsis: "Kirk's problems of the present and haunting memories of the past weigh heavily on him until something happens to Spock and then at last he can put everything into perspective." I'm not going to give away anything else about the contents - you'll have to read the zine for yourself! Let me just say that I enjoyed the novel immensely. As a Shatner-fan, Kay Stagg obviously has taken his words about the series to her heart: professionals doing their job take it as professionals will: as workaday!! (I'm quoting from the "Interview Book", page 16). This makes for very pleasant reading, for she captures the "feeling" of the original series very vividly. It just sounds "right" - no sentimentalism, but a very honest and open dealing with the characters we all know so well. In this novel she concentrates on telling a story about Kirk and The Friendship, and its by far the most realistic interpretation of the famous mind-link I've encountered so far. "So we leave it as it is", says Kirk. and, as in the episodes, there are worlds of meaning packed into one brief sentence. Besides, Kay Stagg ties the knots of her plot nicely the novel has a very balanced structure and as usual her style is flawlessly Star Trek - clear, refreshingly impetuous at times, humorous, and always honest. She catches the often wordless communication between Kirk. and Spock, the comments by McCoy, the unspoken loyalty among the bridge crew. An exciting, well-told story, true to the spirit of the classic episodes - and this is about the highest praise I know! [3]
Just finished reading a zine by Kay Stagg, her newest, called In Perspective. She is an excellent British writer and I had been buying direct from her by International Money Order, but now I see in the latest Monthly (an adzine from Lynda Roper), that Bill Hupe and Peg Kennedy have been given the United States printing rights, at half what it cost me to send for them! They are a must-read for all Kirk fans and Kirk and Spock friendship fans. In Perspective takes place after the Miramanee incident ("The Paradise Syndrome") and involves Kirk needing to rescue Spock from Orion slavers and a fascinating trek back in time, which I found very satisfying.[4]