Genre: Sci-fic, Space Opera
POV: 3rd person
Date Publish: 1968
Page Count: 297
Summary: From the savannas of Africa at the dawn of mankind to the rings of Saturn as man ventures to the outer rim of our solar system, 2001: A Space Odyssey is a journey unlike any other.
Review
I was told when getting into Sci-fic that 2001 Odyssey is not a good place to start, nor is it a good place to start reading Arthur C. Clarke’s work. In no way is this a bad book. It just takes time for the story to get anywhere.
In the first part of the book, the setup takes some time, all coming together eventually. The ending is puzzling. Before we get into the themes, let’s talk about the writing first.
Space Odyssey is a well written book where the writing flows. The chapters are short making it a light read. Reminds me of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where there are long descriptions of the scenery and sea life that make you feel like your right there on the Nautilus. Space Odyssey has the same feeling as you are right there in The Discovery watching the planets and their moons go by.
This brings me back to when I used to go to astronomer meet up. Where astronomers will set up these powerful telescopes and, you were able to look through them. I remember looking through a telescope and seeing Saturn and its rings. That was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Without a telescope, it is just a distant star.
Recently I have been reading classic Sci-fic and, with each book the definition of what is sci-fic became clear. Science fiction is seeing how far humanity can go. It presents a what if scenario and sees how humanity will deal with it and overcome obstacles that get in the way.
Space Odyssey is about how far humanity has come and how we will go to discover the mysteries of the universe. It is a book to read and enjoy the spectacle. The characters and plot are secondary to the story.
Again I would not recommend this to be the first Arthur C. Clarke book to read. Being the first book I read by Arthur C. Clarke. I am not sure what book to recommend in its place. I heard Childhood End is a good book to start with. I might have to check that one out.
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