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Out of the Silent Planet (The Space Trilogy, #1)

C.S. Lewis

Start date: April 1, 2020

Finish date: April 30, 2020

Discussion: Science Fiction and Fantasy

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Science Fiction and Fantasy

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What Members Thought

Jul 29, 2011 Yair Ben-Zvi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This book grew on me, immensely. Granted, the first few chapters (including the near suicidal beginning where it feels so vague and innocuous that you want to tear your eyes out to stop it) are none too impressive but this is more than made up for in the books conflict and eventual resolution. Though the sequel baiting is obvious and some of the typos (at least of my edition) glaring, for a fantasy book written in 1938 and being less a tome than a novella, this story holds up remarkably well. Ag ...more

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Apr 01, 2024 Natalie rated it really liked it

Shelves: science-fiction

This was an enjoyable read though it was more about a fantastical place and human perception of it than a sci fi novel. The science involved is light (essentially just space travel) but the invented planet (Malacandra) is rather interesting and the main character curious.
Ransom, the main character, is walking through the countryside when he stumbles upon a house and tries to get in to seek shelter. The house is occupied by Devine and Weston, one of whom knew Ransom previously. They abduct him a This was an enjoyable read though it was more about a fantastical place and human perception of it than a sci fi novel. The science involved is light (essentially just space travel) but the invented planet (Malacandra) is rather interesting and the main character curious.
Ransom, the main character, is walking through the countryside when he stumbles upon a house and tries to get in to seek shelter. The house is occupied by Devine and Weston, one of whom knew Ransom previously. They abduct him and take him in their weak and odd space ship to deliver him as prisoner to Malacandra. Ransom, instead of being frightened, is rather curious. They suffer extreme light, heat, and cold during their space journey, but finally arrive at Malacandra.
Malacandra is a beautiful planet with rich vegetation in green and purple, blue water, and steep hills. Ransom sets out to explore and learns there are creatures called hrossa, sorns, and pfifltrigg. They pay homage to the leader: a giant creature called Oyarsa who is wise and somewhat of a spirit rather than a bodily creature. There are also eldil who are light filled, floating creatures who can only be seen if you are looking for them.
Ransom, rather quickly, learns to communicate with the different creatures and takes a journey to see the Oyarsa. Meanwhile, Devine and Weston are on the offense and using guns, shoot at several hrossa. Ransom explains to the creatures that men like them are "bent" meaning dishonest and evil and suggests they kill all three humans. But the creatures are kind and do not know war or hatred. Ransom is given the choice to stay or return to earth. He chooses to return with Devine and Weston who are not good people, but somehow, on an ailing ship, get back to earth.
Like H.G. Wells novels, the main character shares his story with a writer and comments on all he has learned from his adventures. There are definite Christian symbols in the book. And it is more about an exploration of another planet than about space travel.
The imaginative world and Ransom's openness are very entertaining. The prose is okay and the pacing quick. However the characters are a bit wooden and the science aspects rather weak. ...more

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Feb 10, 2023 Kara rated it really liked it

I want sure if I was going to like this book. I am not a huge fan of science fiction. I am, however, a huge fan of C.S. Lewis and I found this book fascinating. I am convinced that Lewis could’ve written a telephone book and I’d find it riveting. He was a master story-teller with a brilliant imagination, both of which are on display in this book.

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