Venus Plus X

A man finds himself in a peaceful hermaphrodite society.  However, the ending completely throws off the reader.  I liked the ending though and it makes you examine the whole book you just read from a different angle. Theodore Sturgeon is one of my favorite science fiction writers.  He was one of the best out there during the 50’s and the 60’s.  This is the second time I’ve read Venus plus X. I originally read it fifteen years ago.  I had two problems with the book.  It mentioned its influence - Philip Wylie’s The Disappearance (a great book which I read in my early 20’s and need to read again) which should be a big no no to writers.  I think that authors can mention influences they’ve had in interviews but not within the book itself.  It leads the reader to think that oh they are just copying off that book. Though there are similarities both books are different.  Another problem I had is that ten pages are just him on his soapbox.  The plot and the characters aren’t discussed.  It’s just his philosophy of gender.  I wanted to get back to the book.  This is a good book but it’s not Sturgeon’s More than Human which is absolutely amazing.