This book, 'Out of The Silent Planet', by C.S. Lewis, had been for some years one of those novels which I desired to read, but it had hitherto evaded my scrutiny. Only in recent unusual circumstances did I decide to obtain a copy.
This work is the first in a science-fiction trilogy composed by the author. The plot centres on the "kidnapping" of an academic by two other men, following which he is taken by space-ship to the planet Malacandra, which later turns out to be Mars. He then has to navigate interactions with the various inhabitants of the planet.
Though ostensibly a work of science-fiction, 'Out of The Silent Planet' has about it much of a fantasy or 'adventure' flavour, especially when the action is concentrated on Malacandra. I would say, however, that the fantasy element is much less intricate and "opulent" than I had been led to expect.
The passages which detail the exploits of the Ransom character, his exploration of the landscapes and social systems of Malacandra, are related quite evocatively, and the author manages to ably paint pictures with words, so that readers (or at least, this reader) can gain a grasp of the nature of the planet and its characteristics. The language employed I did not find elaborate or ornate, but it conveys the surroundings and events effectively and entertainingly.
The philosophical themes are not exactly innovative. The question of human progress and scientific discovery set against individual rights and liberties, though, is always worth revisiting, and seems especially apposite to year 2025.
Eventually the fantasy orientation of the novel recedes a little, to be superseded by more sci-fi fare, in the form of discussions about the civilisation and social organisation of Malacandra. I was impressed by the fact that some of the prominent beings on the planet were non-humanoid. I am not sure whether this was novel or old-hat in the 1930s?
There are some interesting allusions to the rights of, and the differences between, the sentient beings. A reminder that some planets may not be ordered the same as Earth, in societal and evolutionary terms.
It seemed to me that we were expected to "take for granted" some aspects of the story, such as Ransom's facility in understanding the Malacandra inhabitants' languages and modes of communication. That said, the analyses of Ransom's mental state are quite organic, forming an ongoing thread as he learns more about this world and its structure and development.
What I liked about 'Out of The Silent Planet' is that as I turned the pages, I had next to no idea of what was going to occur next.
So, this was an intriguing reading experience, if not what I was quite anticipating. It probably makes even more sense when one has read the entire trilogy, something which I might get around to doing at some point.
