"TRACKING SONG" animal/human analogs

Urthers, ?Don't you think that the animal/human analogs in the story are "engineered" organisms (GMO's) I mean, umpteen separate intelligiences couldn't evolve on the same small planet. Especially in such a pauperized environment (think full winter forever(?) a "season of death.")? They all conform to earth animals (wolves, elk, boars etc..) and the Min are certainly products of advanced cybernetics/surgery with "parts" taken from such animal/human analogs (read your text - Cutthroat says they don't "match" and vary from one individual to another.)? Cutthroat and Mantru are the only "true" humans (Homo sapiens) while all the other "humans" in the story, though they look human (or sometimes less or more than human) are animal/human analogs; GMO's engineered by the humans of the Great Sleigh. In fact, I would posit that the entire planet is artificial: trees, animals, fish, environment and "humans"(animal analog humans.)? The Great Sleigh has returned to tinker with their experiment (the reflector curtain Cutthroat sees) to bring a better environment (see Whiteapple's talk with Cutthroat about the knowledge they learned from the people of the Great Sleigh.) Sean Ako

I haven't seen this posted here yet: From Locus Online: http://www.locusmag.com/News/2010/04/gene-wolfe-recovering-from-heart-surgery/ Gene Wolfe Recovering from Heart Surgery Author Gene Wolfe is recovering from open heart surgery on Thursday, April 24. Suffering from shortness of breath, Wolfe went to his doctor who recommended an echocardiogram. During the procedure, a leaking mitral valve was discovered. Wolfe then underwent a double bypass and valve repair. According to daughter Teri Goulding, Wolfe is up and walking, and ?his mind is as sharp as a tack. The family plans to have Wolfe moved to a rehab facility by midweek.

Oh good. That seems to have turned out very well. .