The first book in C. S. Lewis's acclaimed Space Trilogy, which continues with Perelandra and That Hideous Strength, Out of the Silent Planet begins the adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom. Here, that estimable man is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken via spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. The two men are in need of a human sacrifice, and Dr. Ransom would seem to fit the bill. Once on the planet, however, Ransom eludes his captors, risking his life and his chances of returning to Earth, becoming a stranger in a land that is enchanting in its difference from Earth and instructive in its similarity. First published in 1943, Out of the Silent Planet remains a mysterious and suspenseful tour de force.
As both a author and reader of fiction, I enjoyed Out of the Silent Planet very much. I guess I have always liked a book that could hold my attention and make me think at the same time. Read this story.
Tommy Taylor - The Second Virgin Birth
This was my first time reading any fiction of Lewis's. I have previously read "The Screwtape Letters" and am still reading "Mere Christianity".
I must say this was an awesome book. Very believable characters, wonderful locales, and Lewis did a great job painting a picture with words. This is the first Science Fiction I've read since reading Isaac Asmiov in high school, and this had me engrossed on the same level as "Robots of Dawn". I am very excited to read the next 2. I highly recommend this book!
I am admittedly bias toward C.S. Lewis, having over 75 books by, or about, this author. This book (Out of the Silent Planet) was the last of the trilogy that I was missing. It helped to fit the rest of this series together. Great reading. One word of caution. The reader must understand the world's situation at the time to appreciate the language and the setting of the story, and the influence that this particular time had upon the author. I recommend it highly.
