A review by rhanmitchell
Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

contemplative science fiction

which paints a picture of our extinction

that is equal parts horrifying and fulfilling. it is hard to determine whether clarke sees the future he imagined as a good or bad thing,

(are the overlords benevolent guardians or are they merely conducting a kind of genocidal science experiment?)

but I personally like that it's ambiguous and left to interpretation. the overlords make for fascinating masters of humanity,

as they themselves serve an entity they do not fully understand and can only hope to someday join... or rival

. though there is a certain sadness for both species; for humanity

who does not want to leave behind their bodies/individuality, but are unknowingly forced to

,and for the overlords

who above all desire to transcend the physical world but, despite their mastery over it, cannot

. a bit dated. the biblical

and paranormal

elements weren't too much. I actually kinda liked them, especially how he merges the concept of

the collective unconscious

with conventional science fiction. but what was that about

reverse apartheid

??? weird shit. anyways, what an ending! it's a sci-fi classic with a disturbing yet beautiful philosophy. highly recommend.