Stowaway to Mars
by John Wyndham
science fiction
copyright 1936
read in March 2018
rated 6/10: read to pass the time
Okay, it's by John Wyndham but it's not particularly good. Part of that is the dated science but a lot is the book itself.
The rocket seems to be a loose adaptation of Wells' (I think it was) giant bullet. Wells fired from a giant gun barrel, Wyndham is the more modern form of rocket -- but it feels as though it's a bullet dressed up as a rocket.
The rest of the science is... well... very dated. Really, though, that is irrelevant. After all it is science "fiction". Perhaps the Stowaway science was best available knowledge in 1936? I don't know. Nor do I care :-)
The book itself, is rather weak. There is a lot of preaching, of giving a message to the reader. The message, generally, is in favour of environment and equality and treating people nicely. I support the views but they are laid on far too thickly.
The characters are okay but none are particularly appealing. That may be deliberate? Ah well...
It's readable, not too bad... but not too good, either. Read to pass the time -- or read to complete your knowledge of the works of an author who has written several really good science fiction stories.
27apr22:
I read it again. Quite enjoyed it... and accept the first rating.
What does surprise me -- is the sex. Good grief! I was sure that sex was not invented till well after 1936 :-)
Dr Nick Lethbridge / Consulting Dexitroboper
... Agamedes Consulting / Problems ? Solved
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"Avoid criticism: say, do and be nothing." … per Ginger Meggs
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