Rendezvous with Rama - An Arthur C Clarke Novel - Impressions

The late Sir Arthur C Clarke was a prolific science fiction writer. Thanks to Stanley Kubrick, his most well known work is likely to be 2001: A Space Odyssey, but there is so much more depth to his back catalogue of writing.

Following a recommendation of a man I just met, and yet also immediately respected; I decided to read some more of Clarke's Work.

The first, *Rendezvous with Rama*, is a book about a suspected asteroid hurtling towards Earth from galactic space parts unknown. It is part of a longer series, which I'm working my way through.

Moving at an enormous speed, the governments of Earth, Mars, Mercury, and assorted other space outposts, send a research vessel to investigate. This isn't, however, a research vessel funded by some military outfit with all the right specialists on-board for such an endeavour. (No apologies for these spacey puns!)

No, the crew of the Endeavour (see what I did there?) are an ordinary bunch of men and women. The characters are pretty... well, rigid, regimented, but each have strengths that compliment one another.

The main character here is Rama, which isn't really a character at all. The suspected asteroid is actually a ship of some sort, but with no visible propulsion, or ship-like elements.

It is a complete mystery. The crew board via a series of air-locks, exploring the innards of Rama. The first thing that's noticed is the fact that everything is done in threes. Three airlocks. Three identical structures within.

The only thing missing is the wallpaper with the number "3" all over it. Like a great speech, Clarke describes Rama in searing detail, and throughout, you're left with an amazing sense of wonder at the mysterious craft, the danger, and sense of adventure that fills every page.

There's no need to understand complicated, science heavy writing; as usual, Clarke is simple, succinct, and abundantly clear with his choice of words throughout the book. There's little hints at the culture of an advanced Earth throughout the world-building, which is done in a non-intrusive manner.

But then, there's Rama itself, full of wonder and mystery. It is an incredible place, as described throughout the text.

You're spurred on by the politics playing in the background, on Earth, and at other stations, with a bittersweet ending laying perfect foundations for the next book in the series.

I'm off to continue reading the next in the series, Rama II!