I’ve taken it upon myself to read some more classic science fiction. It occurred to me not long ago that, even though I consider myself a fan of science fiction, I hadn’t really read very many of the “great” science fiction works. I’ve read a couple of classics, like the War of the Worlds and 1984, but I felt like there must be more I should read if I want to consider myself a real sci-fi fan.

So, I scoured the Web to see what people considered “the best” of sci-fi and compiled a small list of books to read, and chose Arthur C. Clarke’s Rendezvous with Rama as my first read.

First published in 1972 and set in the 22nd century, Rendezvous with Rama tells the story of mankind’s first encounter with an extra-terrestrial intelligence - a massive cylindrical starship, nicknamed Rama, that briefly passes through our solar system. The novel follows the adventures of the astronauts who penetrate it and explore its mysteries before it departs.

Clarke is of course a master of sci-fi, having written hundreds of books and co-created 2001: A Space Odyssey with Stanley Kubrick. Rendezvous with Rama won the Hugo, Nebula, Campbell and Jupiter Awards (basically all the awards for science fiction writing) in 1973.

All the awards were well deserved - Rama is an extraordinary read. From start to finish, you are completely engrossed in the mystery of the great ship and what lies inside. Clarke manages to convey the visuals of Rama in broad strokes, with just enough detail to be fascinating and not boring. He does an excellent job of conveying both the science of Rama, but also the magnificent scope of the interior of the giant ship. From the massive staircase to the great sea separating the two “hemispheres” of Rama, the novel reminds you of the wonder of discovery and exploration.

He reveals just enough of the “Raman” culture to suck you in, and just enough of the astronauts’ personalities for you to identify with and care for them.

In the end, not many answers are given, but the beauty of it is that that is probably what our first encounter with an alien intelligence is likely to be - a great mystery that leaves much unexplained and open to discussion and interpretation. The book is short, and it’s so engrossing that it’s a very quick read - it’s hard to put down. And it does end abruptly, but again, that’s part of the journey.

If you like characters with a lot of meat on the bone, where a lot “happens” and you need closure in your reading, then Rama is not the book for you. But as classic sci-fi, it works because it does what sci-fi does best - leaves you with something to think about. It’s a lot like 2001 in that respect.

I give it a highest recommendation - this was (purely by chance) a great first choice in my “classic sci-fi reading adventure.”

I note that Rama has a number of sequels, “co-written” by Clarke and one Gentry Lee. From all I have read, these sequels do not stand with the original - with Clarke really having minimal input - and thus are not high on my reading list. I doubt I’ll get around to them.

I also note that David Fincher and Morgan Freeman have the film rights and are planning to make a Rama movie sometime in the next couple of years. As with anything “in development,” take that with a massive grain of salt, but still… a film version could be enjoyable. Rama itself would certainly be impressive using today’s special effects technology. I doubt Hollywood would go for the “leave most of the mysteries undiscovered” ending though. I’m sure they’d create something of a more “let’s wrap this up neatly” type ending, and I would imagine they’d “spice up” the characters more. Which of course, alters the beauty of the book fundamentally, but that’s Hollywood for you. Hopefully they will remember the simple beauty of 2001 and its lack of a neat, tight-fitting climax and allow a film version of Rama the same freedom.

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