great audiobook
5 stars
Totally engrossing, I loved it
Mass Market Paperback, 243 pages
English language
Published Aug. 13, 1990 by Bantam Books.
"At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge. It weighs more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system as inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft. Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for man's first encounter with alien intelligence." P. [4] of cover.
"At first, only a few things are known about the celestial object that astronomers dub Rama. It is huge. It weighs more than ten trillion tons. And it is hurtling through the solar system as inconceivable speed. Then a space probe confirms the unthinkable: Rama is no natural object. It is, incredibly, an interstellar spacecraft. Space explorers and planet-bound scientists alike prepare for man's first encounter with alien intelligence." P. [4] of cover.
Strakul reviewed Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (Bantam Spectra book)
Exploring an alien spaceship
5 stars
This book is fascinating. It's very much a hallmark of it's time, with a few astronomical inconsistencies now that we know better, but that doesn't detract from it. At it heart, it's about exploring a fascinating space ship from an alien civilization. You, alongside the characters, are left wondering at Rama's purpose, it's inhabitants, and how everything works. The joy of discovery is a central theme for this book. I may not remember the characters or points of the plot years from now, but I will remember Rama.
For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2025/02/book-review-rendezvous-with-rama-by.html
This book is fascinating. It's very much a hallmark of it's time, with a few astronomical inconsistencies now that we know better, but that doesn't detract from it. At it heart, it's about exploring a fascinating space ship from an alien civilization. You, alongside the characters, are left wondering at Rama's purpose, it's inhabitants, and how everything works. The joy of discovery is a central theme for this book. I may not remember the characters or points of the plot years from now, but I will remember Rama.
For a full review, check out my blog: strakul.blogspot.com/2025/02/book-review-rendezvous-with-rama-by.html
loppear reviewed Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
helps to know the sequels are worse
2 stars
A promising opening of mysterious object and dry elder academic panel bickering.... oh don't let this be just a cool exploration of the physical properties of this space... in space... with bonus tangential misogyny... oh, the physical properties and some cold-war-commentary at least accelerate... pity for the futuristic anachronisms, 1973 feels closer to Jules Verne than to us.
A promising opening of mysterious object and dry elder academic panel bickering.... oh don't let this be just a cool exploration of the physical properties of this space... in space... with bonus tangential misogyny... oh, the physical properties and some cold-war-commentary at least accelerate... pity for the futuristic anachronisms, 1973 feels closer to Jules Verne than to us.
Brett Hodnett reviewed Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
Good book
4 stars
I'd really go 3.5 on this one but it needs to be rounded up not down. I liked how that despite having many dramatic things going on, it was written in a very non dramatic or over the top kind of way. It was more about regular people facing important and unusual challenges.
I'd really go 3.5 on this one but it needs to be rounded up not down. I liked how that despite having many dramatic things going on, it was written in a very non dramatic or over the top kind of way. It was more about regular people facing important and unusual challenges.
Jens Finkhäuser reviewed Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke (Rama, #1)
I'd rate it 50/50...
3 stars
... that is, it's 50% description of a docking maneuver, and 50% setup for an exciting book.
I guess that makes it one of those books you should read once, but I didn't manage to enjoy it much.
... that is, it's 50% description of a docking maneuver, and 50% setup for an exciting book.
I guess that makes it one of those books you should read once, but I didn't manage to enjoy it much.
I liked it
4 stars
the characters were a bit no-nonsense and technical, but the setting was immensely good
