Down to the Earth
by Robert Silverberg
science fiction
copyright 1969
read in December 2015
rated 6/10: read to pass the time
As I start reading I think, Ho hum, another sadly dated book from the golden years of science fiction. Then it improves. We move into the alien jungle and it's timelessly imaginative. Then the ending is... weak.
In a more modern introduction, Silverberg says that he did not think that Down to Earth was a particularly good book. Now, apparently, he has changed his mind. I didn't read all of the introduction, I didn't want to spoil the story. Perhaps the author's opinion of his book was improved when a publisher wanted to reprint it ?
Anyway...
Some bits are, indeed, strongly influenced by attitudes of the 1960s ! We are introduced to eight tourists. There's the tinker, the tailor, the soldier, the sailor... Hang on ! That's only four !? Because there are also four wives. And they are no more than, the wives. Goodness ! Let's see a modern author get away with that level of sex-based typecasting !
Then the hero reaches the jungle. The jungle, the locals, the flora and fauna are timeless. Somewhat ridiculous, perhaps, but timeless science fiction imagination.
The ending, however, is a little disappointing.
Half of the ending -- the physical aspects -- are largely unsurprising. I can see it coming, no great surprise. The mental -- or perhaps spiritual -- ending is... ridiculous.
Aliens who can bring us to nirvana ? Good grief. Magical mind powers which will bring peace and harmony to all who are ready for it ? That's a bit sudden, isn't it ?! Overtones of religious ecstasy brought on by mystic jungle portions ? Not without some reasonable justification, thanks very much.
It's not a bad book. Interesting, readable, a well constructed plot.
It just needs a bit more logic to support the wilder aspects of the plot finale.
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"Why should I have to work for everything ?! It's like saying I don't deserve it !"... Calvin per Watterson
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