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nhborg's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
This had its ups and downs, but I generally liked it! I haven’t watched the movie, but I was familiar with two of the iconic scenes and therefore kind of knew where it was going. I think what I liked the most was the otherwordly and surrealistic atmosphere it obtained in the later stages. Otherwise I’d say that the book was mostly interesting due to its age, as I don’t think it would’ve gotten the same sensational status if it was released now instead of in 1968.
The main drawback is that it felt pretty «hollow»; there were some reflections and interesting concepts touched upon, but in general it was written in a simplistic and flat way that made me think that it would be better suited for the movie screen. This made it a super quick read, but took away some of the substantiality. Knowing that the book and movie were made simultaneously, I started questioning whether there was actually any point in having the story as a book at all. Still, certain scenes convinced me that a book format was probably an interesting contrast to a movie which displays everything and leaves no room for imagination. I also read in some reviews that Clarke and Kubrick wrote different endings, which makes me extra curious to compare the two.
Time to go watch the movie!
This had its ups and downs, but I generally liked it! I haven’t watched the movie, but I was familiar with two of the iconic scenes and therefore kind of knew where it was going. I think what I liked the most was the otherwordly and surrealistic atmosphere it obtained in the later stages. Otherwise I’d say that the book was mostly interesting due to its age, as I don’t think it would’ve gotten the same sensational status if it was released now instead of in 1968.
The main drawback is that it felt pretty «hollow»; there were some reflections and interesting concepts touched upon, but in general it was written in a simplistic and flat way that made me think that it would be better suited for the movie screen. This made it a super quick read, but took away some of the substantiality. Knowing that the book and movie were made simultaneously, I started questioning whether there was actually any point in having the story as a book at all. Still, certain scenes convinced me that a book format was probably an interesting contrast to a movie which displays everything and leaves no room for imagination. I also read in some reviews that Clarke and Kubrick wrote different endings, which makes me extra curious to compare the two.
Time to go watch the movie!
voltmatirx's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
grayjay's review against another edition
4.0
The first part, with the early hominids felt a little silly, it made more sense when I found it it was adapted from a separate story.
The main narrative adventures of the two astronauts on their way to Saturn felt a little tedious, but balanced with enough tension and sense of wonder to keep it interesting.
The end, when things are finally explained is pretty great and wonderous. You can see the influence it had on later works—especially Contact by Carl Sagan.
The main narrative adventures of the two astronauts on their way to Saturn felt a little tedious, but balanced with enough tension and sense of wonder to keep it interesting.
The end, when things are finally explained is pretty great and wonderous. You can see the influence it had on later works—especially Contact by Carl Sagan.
emaleefry's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
this took longer than i expected to read bc i got a little bored half way through, as i already knew what would happen. however, the last section was interesting, as it’s presented differently than the films ending, which was cool to see the different interpretations of clarke and kubrick. the monolith is scarier in the novel.
jennaroseshannon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
misterwombat's review against another edition
4.0
If you've seen the Kubrick film you'll be happy to know this is much more fast paced and fun. Very interesting and at times exciting classic sci-fi. By today's standards there isn't much action, but there is some. Clark is more interested in speculating a) where humanity will be with technological progress and the ability to explore our solar system and b) what potential alien life may look like and accomplish. This feels a lot like Project Hail Mary in its focus on discovery and survival.
There isn't much character development or really any insight into the human condition so it was a bit disappointing in that regard.
There isn't much character development or really any insight into the human condition so it was a bit disappointing in that regard.
ronpayne's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hrishyank's review against another edition
5.0
If you have watched the movie and loved it, you would love this book too. If you couldn't last more than 10 minutes, just like me, you would still love the book. The author has gone into details, yet not bogged you down with them. The plot is crisp and moves ahead at a steady pace, which makes it a wonderful 6 hour read :3
whereishaleh's review against another edition
4.0
What took me so long to read this book? It was far more enjoyable, nuanced, and beautiful than the movie. I loved the story and the voyage through the solar system aboard the Discovery, seeing the fiery ring of Saturn illuminated by the sun, and gazing in awe at the majestic view of Jupiter.