4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Upon his death - I sought out the most recommended books of Mr. Clarke. This one was repeatedly listed as a favorite by some authors.
I did not like it, however. In the forward, Clarke practically says he made a mistake in writing it - because for a brief time a stage magician named Uri Gellar had convinced him that physic phenomenon was possible. Since that time, Clarke learned how Gellar did his tricks, and Gellar stopped calling himself a psychic. The book was embraced by C.S. Lewis because it makes a case for science being of limited scope, and the use of science being dangerous to our spiritual evolution. I may have enjoyed the book more if such thinking wasn't responsible for so many problems in the US - resulting in our culture's general disdain for science and preference for the supernatural.
In short - Clarke, as a science-based writer, was right to apologize. Its an irresponsible premise, and runs counter to understanding the human condition. I'm a bit bewildered at its being recommended by some respectable writers - I can only assume its because they were also fascinated with, and taken in by, spoon benders and other such characters, in their youth.
Also - there is plenty of his customary 'star child' theme - the man was apparently driven to distraction by the idea of humanity turning into magical star creatures. This makes for a good story once or twice - then becomes overly familiar to the reader.
two stars from me (of 5)
I did not like it, however. In the forward, Clarke practically says he made a mistake in writing it - because for a brief time a stage magician named Uri Gellar had convinced him that physic phenomenon was possible. Since that time, Clarke learned how Gellar did his tricks, and Gellar stopped calling himself a psychic. The book was embraced by C.S. Lewis because it makes a case for science being of limited scope, and the use of science being dangerous to our spiritual evolution. I may have enjoyed the book more if such thinking wasn't responsible for so many problems in the US - resulting in our culture's general disdain for science and preference for the supernatural.
In short - Clarke, as a science-based writer, was right to apologize. Its an irresponsible premise, and runs counter to understanding the human condition. I'm a bit bewildered at its being recommended by some respectable writers - I can only assume its because they were also fascinated with, and taken in by, spoon benders and other such characters, in their youth.
Also - there is plenty of his customary 'star child' theme - the man was apparently driven to distraction by the idea of humanity turning into magical star creatures. This makes for a good story once or twice - then becomes overly familiar to the reader.
two stars from me (of 5)
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The inside back page says Arthur C. Clarke is considered the greatest science fiction writer of all time, so I had high hopes for Childhood's End and was disappointed. I just don't like space fantasy enough to get past all this clumsy writing. There were so many cheesy lines like "you have been reading too much science fiction", "it was all like a Hollywood thriller", and "getting in touch with aliens wasn't as easy as in fiction" ugh. The breathless cartoonyness ...more The inside back page says Arthur C. Clarke is considered the greatest science fiction writer of all time, so I had high hopes for Childhood's End and was disappointed. I just don't like space fantasy enough to get past all this clumsy writing. There were so many cheesy lines like "you have been reading too much science fiction", "it was all like a Hollywood thriller", and "getting in touch with aliens wasn't as easy as in fiction" ugh. The breathless cartoonyness reminded me of how bad the movie Avatar's dialog was.
Arthur C. Clarke's writing led to the development of satellite technology, so I expected more dazzlingly prescient hi-tech like William Gibson does, but all I got was faxes, film and conveyor belts, meh. I gave it an extra star because I dislike the genre and he did have some good pages (164-167) when the action peaks and babies go out of control and freakish planets get described vividly. But then it wraps up with a lot more "he never learned the story of why blah blah blah" which read to me like the author just couldn't be bothered.
Arthur C. Clarke's writing led to the development of satellite technology, so I expected more dazzlingly prescient hi-tech like William Gibson does, but all I got was faxes, film and conveyor belts, meh. I gave it an extra star because I dislike the genre and he did have some good pages (164-167) when the action peaks and babies go out of control and freakish planets get described vividly. But then it wraps up with a lot more "he never learned the story of why blah blah blah" which read to me like the author just couldn't be bothered.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Science Fiction classic. Well-worth reading or re-reading.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Arthur C. Clarke is IMHO one of the best sci-fi writers of all time. Childhood's End is not one of his more well known novels and yet I think it is one of the more interesting because of the ideas it tries to convey. Clarke never misses an opportunity to expand our imagination and hint that there might be something greater than humanity out there.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This haunting book is Clarke at the very top of his game. Savor it slowly.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Fascinating ideas about the past and future
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Arthur Clarke's best scifi! A++++
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Arthur C. Clarke is one of the best in science fiction and this is one of his best!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
"The Overlords appeared suddenly over every city - intellectually, technologically, and militarily superior to humankind. Benevolent, they made few demands: unify earth, eliminate poverty, and end war. With little rebellion, humankind agreed, and a golden age began." "But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own. As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?"--BOOK JACKET.
"The Overlords appeared suddenly over every city - intellectually, technologically, and militarily superior to humankind. Benevolent, they made few demands: unify earth, eliminate poverty, and end war. With little rebellion, humankind agreed, and a golden age began." "But at what cost? With the advent of peace, man ceases to strive for creative greatness, and a malaise settles over the human race. To those who resist, it becomes evident that the Overlords have an agenda of their own. As civilization approaches the crossroads, will the Overlords spell the end for humankind...or the beginning?"--BOOK JACKET.
I didn't care to much for this story, it was kind of flat to me.
Good science fiction but a little disjointed.