Another review from the same time as the one in the last post, appeared in Mind for the month of February 1901. It was issue #5 Volume 7 on page 399. They used continuous numbering. It was very complementary which makes me wonder why the book did not sell well.
"The urgent need of a panacea for our social ills is significantly illustrated in the popularity of works of fiction having a more or less sensible solution of the world problem as their basis. The motif of the present work is excellent; the Golden Rule is its inspiration throughout. Its teachings are mutualistic*, rather than altruistic or socialistic, and will suggest much of practical value to any benevolent mind. The volume is a romance that will please the admirers of Jules Verne, though its central idea was anticipated in “ Etidorhpa.” Students of sociology, and of the New Thought in general, will find in its well-written pages a great deal with which they are familiar; but as a mere product of the imagination this work will commend itself to every lover of a good story, well told. And it may be regarded as a contribution to the literature of the social problem that will live."
It has also been interesting to see what people think about the book today, when it is one hundred and fifteen years old. Amazon.com asks for reviews from customers of the books they have listed for sale. NEQUA has only been listed there for two months and so far the reviews have been fabulous.
"Nequa' is a mystery, both in terms of its narrative, and its origin. We will likely never know conclusively who penned the novel, but Mark Esping has done meticulous research into the clues left behind. In 1900 'Nequa' was at the forefront of discussion about women's rights, hollow earth exploration (the hollowness of the earth still being in question at the time), and socio-economic reforms to relieve the strain of America's rapid urbanization. The use of a female protagonist in a narrative meant to appeal to men as well as women is surprising. Those interested in fin de siècle utopianism, feminism, and early science fiction will find 'Nequa' a fascinating read. "
and
"I picked this book up because of the cover and read it because of the story. The story is both complex and compelling. The descriptions of travel on board the ship pulled me along into the story. Even though written at the turn of the last century the unfolding of the relationships on board and within the Utopian society will surprise and inspire readers in this century. The addition of the background information carries this story well into the next century. I thought this was as tremendous sci-fi read as well as a tremendous read.
Makes me feel like the work was worth it.
* spell check did not like this word. My dictionary lists it as an archaic form. Probably is since it means that which is beneficial to all equally.
