I've been reading some older sci-fi literature lately, which has so far been interesting in it's treatment of religion v. science. To be more exact I have just finished
Rama II, part two of Arthur C. Clarke's
Rama series.
RENDEZ-VOUS WITH RAMA: 6/10
This book was extremely interesting. Innovative in it's treatment of both character, and perspective. The more basic concepts of space travel are approached in a democratic way. I quite liked the more technical moments, basic astro/physics not my forte however. My least favorite thing about this book was it's end. Rather anti-climactic it really just reaffirmed that the more important aspects of the books were it's style and treatment of content.
RAMA II: 4/10
This book was depressing. Clarke adheres to some of the stylistic qualities of his first, but moves in a direction I did not appreciate or expect. The science aspects still make the reader feel smart when they get them, and he includes some discussion of logic/problem solving that is quite fun. The book as a whole seems to be centered more on the human/moral dilemmas that were touched upon in
Rendez-Vous with Rama. The religious discussion was pushed much farther, to the point where a Saint is created to provide a more dynamic range of tools. The introduction of Michael O'Toole, the scientist-catholic, was frustration. It's a sci-fi novel and unless the pope is some cool space-traveller I'd rather not have to deal with him. The moral dilemmas are completely acceptable, but I suppose I've been teaching myself to adore the more personal, post-apocalyptic style sci-fi. This early attempt at a space Opera seems strange, the six/seven main characters so fueled by their own endeavors. So overall I do not support the logic of what causes the events to happen. The crew seems inept at dealing with the alien ship/visitors from the beginning (bad sign).
To expect too much from an author seems a fault of mine. Though in reality it just means I have a creative mind. I just take things a little too far, so I'm comfortable embellishing the stories of others.
This has to be one of the most entertaining and interesting books I've read. The approach is simple, how zen, and retains the complicated nature of Japanese culture and Zen culture. Though it may just be resonating with my interests in these two things, I appreciate the outside point of view of Suzuki-Sensei. Rather than bogging the reader down with too many Koans, or too much high-Zen theory, we can see the Zen of Chadwick's travels and learning of the way. I find that these types of discussions are far more resonating to the western audience, who are exposed to this type of narrative at an early age. The western P.O.V. is also more available than the Japanese, perhaps. Overall, the narrative, the goal of the book, and the subject matter are all things I love. Thus a 10/10 for this not so little book.
