Rendezvous With Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
December 11, 2002

 
Genre: Science Fiction

     A huge celestial object, dubbed Rama by scientists, is hurtling across the solar system at a tremendous speed.  Commander Norton and his crew are sent to explore this terrestrial object, and soon will find themselves uncovering the mysterious of alien civilization.

     Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C. Clarke, is what I found, a not-so enjoyable book.  Well, first off, it was extremely difficult to visual for me.  The Big Horn, Little Horn, New York, Paris, the Cylindrical Sea, all these locations were not real to me.  It’s not that the author gives his readers a difficult time understanding his descriptions, well actually he does, but it is really arduous to get a vivid image in your head; or something close to it.  Actually, I don’t think he gives enough description.  Or maybe it’s just that I’m stupid… wait… don’t answer that.

     Another factor I did not agree with, were the characters.  The main character, Commander Norton, was not well-developed, and the others, were just stock characters, just there for the sake of it.  What about the conflict?  Man vs. extraterrestrials.  That is perfectly understandable right?  But where in the world are the extraterrestrials in the book?!?!  There are only shards and remnants of there past presence show signs of their existence; none in the flesh, as they say.  I would say more to make me sound less idiotic, but my ignorance prevails. 

     The basic concept of exploring an alien object is quite fascinating.  Rendezvous With Rama shows us different vistas, environments, creatures, plants and a different way of life.  But then the transition from chapter to chapter, of one’s perspective to another’s was confusing.  It goes from the exploring of Rama in one chapter, to the council of scientists in another.  I didn’t quite get the gist of their conversations and didn’t see how exactly the two sides merged together.  Also, I didn’t understand the stinkin’ ending!!!  Yeah… now I definitely think I’m stupid.  But I must mention this.  To be blunt, Rendezvous With Rama was slow-paced and boring to a degree.

     Well, right now, I can say it was a mistake to pick up Arthur C. Clarke’s ‘Rendezvous With Rama’.  Not that it was terrible, it was not in fact, it was just that I was not able to appreciate it as much as I would have if I understood the whole scientific ideas.  It is far too advanced for my perspicacity; with vocabulary like gees, centrifugal and such.  Yes, much too lazy to look in my dictionary.  Overall, Rendezvous With Rama is a fairly interesting novel, but it’s appreciativeness will be saturated by the naïve; but would be to much appeal of… geeks… yeah.  I’ll most likely prone to picking it up again… once I get me some brains… and take to consideration that I have just gotten into reading science-fiction and is still covered in ignorance, but in due time… patience is key. 

     On another note, Rendezvous With Rama is the first of four novels; including, Rama Revealed, Rama II and The Garden of Rama.  Also, right now I believe, is a movie in production being made of this book with Morgan Freeman… great… I’ll sure be anticipating it…

 - Bobo

Rating:  

Actually... the concept art doesn't look too bad... but let us reserve judgment until it comes out in 2003-2004.