Some Quick Thoughts As I Have Just Finished Rendezvous With Rama
I am not trying to give a review, but simply to share some immediate thoughts as I have finished the book:
(1) I’ve learned to spell the name of the author. Clarke. Really it is a wasted letter. The author would surely agree, as he is so gifted with his ability to be Spartan with his words yet thorough with the exactness of his descriptions. I would kill to be such a writer!
(2) And I understand, because of the popularity of the book, there have been written three sequels. However, they are written by Gentry Lee, with Clarke only making editing suggestions. As much as I would like to know more of the story, I think I will honor this book by not reading the such unnecessary filler. I will use my imagination, as would surely be the intention of the author before being bribed.
(3) I have read that Morgan Freeman has expressed ongoing interest in making the movie. I like Morgan Freeman, and think he would no doubt do an excellent job.
(4) Nelson has two families, one on Earth and as I remember one on Mars. It is a socially acceptable arrangement. He also has a sexual liaison with a coworker, again apparently with no sense of impropriety. And I think such degradation of the concept of fidelity is meant to be portrayed as enlightened evolution. I sure hope the author is wrong.
(5) My initial suspicions about the nature of the spacecraft prove correct. Indeed, it is an interstellar Noah’s Ark. However, it seems to be filled with artifacts and robots. Where are the life forms? I move through the book hoping to meet a Raman, but it never happens. There is the hint of suspense throughout, as if the next exploration or encounter will indeed produce an alien. And maybe they are there? They could be in suspended animation, somewhere hidden deep within the massive craft, yet to awaken. They could be in the bowels of the ship, quietly observing the curious and inferior human searchers. I get the idea they are waiting to make their entrance in the next book. Maybe?
So, I encourage you to read the book. 214 pages, an easy and fun read. What am I reading now? The Darwin Awards, 6th Edition. Hey, I never claimed to be a scholar.
