Science Fiction London

We meet on the first Saturday of the month at 1:30 PM Eastern Time to discuss the selected topic, which could be a science fiction book, short story, movie, TV show, or theme. Detailed information on topic selection, meeting times and locations can be found on the meetings page.

Our upcoming topics

April 6, 2024

Dune Part 2

directed by Denis Villeneuve

Presented by JD D.

The novel Dune by Frank Herbert is a science fiction masterpiece that has inspired many adaptations, from film to video games. This theme meeting will explore the latest movie adaptation of Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac and others. Dune Part One was released in 2021 and Dune Part Two is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2024. 

How do the themes, characters, and plot of the movie compare with the original novel? How does this version compare with the previous adaptations, such as the 1984 film by David Lynch and the 2000 miniseries by John Harrison? What are the challenges and opportunities of adapting such a complex and rich work of literature to the screen?

The club will arrange a time for those who would like to see the movie together. Information will be on the club email list or contact us at sciencefictionlondon@gmail.com.

Availability The movie will be released in theatres on March 1, 2024.

May 4, 2024

The Forever War

by Joe Haldeman

Presented by Mark A. and Tim B.

Published in 1974, towards the end of the Vietnam War, The Forever War is a classic work of "military SF",  which won the Nebula, Hugo, and Locus awards, in 1975 and 1976. Centred around the person of William Mandella, a physics student conscripted to join the United Nations Exploratory Force, as part of an interstellar war against the Taurans.   

Availability Available from the London Public Library or from book stores e.g. Chapters/Indigo or Amazon or local used book shops.

June 1, 2024

Watchmen

by Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons

Presented by JD D.

A murder mystery-turned-nationwide conspiracy, Watchmen examines the lives of the eponymous superhero team as they seem to decay alongside the ever-darkening America around them. Rorschach, Nite Owl, the Silk Spectre, Dr. Manhattan and Ozymandias reunite to investigate who’s behind a teammate’s murder, but find that the truth may be even more grim than the world they seek to protect.

One of the most influential graphic novels of all time and a perennial bestseller, Watchmen is considered a gateway title to the entire graphic storytelling medium. Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ seminal story is the benchmark against which all other graphic novels and comic books are judged with an incredible story that chronicles the fall from grace of a group of super-heroes plagued by all-too-human failings.

Availability Available from the London Public Library or from book stores e.g. Chapters/Indigo or Amazon or local used book shops.

Topic selection for September 2024 to February 2025 will also be decided at this meeting. Please use the Topic Proposal form to submit an idea.

July 6, 2024

The Atrocity Archives

by Charles Stross

Presented by Doug M.

Bob Howard is a low-level techie working for a super-secret government agency. While his colleagues are out saving the world, Bob's under a desk restoring lost data. His world was dull and safe - but then he went and got Noticed.

Now, Bob is up to his neck in spy-craft, parallel universes, dimension-hopping terrorists, monstrous elder gods and the end of the world. Only one thing is certain: it will take more than a full system reboot to sort this mess out . . .

Availability Available from the London Public Library or from book stores e.g. Chapters/Indigo or Amazon or local used book shops.

August 3, 2024

The Power

by Naomi Alderman

Presented by Margot B.

In The Power, the world is a recognizable place: there's a rich Nigerian boy who lounges around the family pool; a foster kid whose religious parents hide their true nature; an ambitious American politician; a tough London girl from a tricky family.

But then a vital new force takes root and flourishes, causing their lives to converge with devastating effect. Teenage girls now have immense physical power: they can cause agonizing pain and even death. And, with this small twist of nature, the world drastically resets. From award-winning author Naomi Alderman, The Power is speculative fiction at its most ambitious and provocative, at once taking us on a thrilling journey to an alternate reality, and exposing our own world in bold and surprising ways.

Availability Available from the London Public Library or from book stores e.g. Chapters/Indigo or Amazon or local used book shops.