I warn you, before my rambles, if you actually want the review for Childhood’s End go to the first subheading, if not please enjoy the following:
Impossible I know.
A book review.
As if my incredible brain required knowledge from some second mind. But I’ll tell you. This book is as wacky as I am. Given to me by my supreme master of information, a god, and an old man I call… grandpa. I know, already legendary, and wise to say the least.
But for someone who endorses way too much Star Wars or Warhammer. This elaborate and ancient Sci-Fi fantasy tickled me in many ways a book shouldn’t. In the deception of what I mistakenly believed to be an unoriginal story at first, thinking it would simply play aliens off as an antagonist. Narratively it developed into something I would not have ever expected. Simply becoming shunned at its sudden ending. Leaving me wanting more.
The Book: Childhood’s End
A story evolving around mystery, discovery, imagination, and evolution. A forever conscious development throughout. Taking perspective from the passing minds of multiple individuals who seek interest in the plot’s focus points. Picturing a foreign form of life entering Earth and remaining what seems dormant, at first. This puts a global affair into questioning that of the 1950’s outlook on life, with an ever-looming threat to the extinction of humanity. Hinting that at issues that would be further mirrored in reality at the time via the Cold War.
No-one of intelligence resents the inevitable
Arther C, Clark
Here value is placed on life, on survival. A worldwide panic in appeasing this ominous visitor. Yet, despite these tense images, the lives of the characters seem grounded and not entirely obsessive over the aliens. Thus, personal moments of development cause sadness upon passing onto the next narrative lead, as a long vast of time is passed on. In an aim to question our own species’ cooperation and obsessive materialism. In addition to how we see emotions impacting our interactions and values toward one another.
…A well-stocked mind is safe from boredom.
Arther C, Clark
The Aliens!?!?!?!?!?
These perspectives of Arthers enclosed aliens give his audience a newly welcomed intensity which in sci-fi we are not used to. As usual depiction is never afraid to highlight the features of these aliens outright to smear their stories in descriptive intrigue. Arther on the other hand like that of Ridley Scott’s Alien contains his alien’s traits until the relevance of the situation becomes more required of them. This is mirrored by the narrative’s focus and attention on the Alien spaceship alone. Revealing the worldwide impacts of how a simple visual Presence can change the global perspective and attitudes towards one another.
The Realisation
While I may not be your average book reader, as unexpected as it was, I loved its imagery and references to history to form logical conclusions and links. Though I am sad that it is not a book of pure cheese, like that of Of Mice and Men. I was entirely entertained by its clever wave of dosing information throughout and never nose-diving into the world of irregularity. And at times somewhat making you question your own perspective on the future.
I can only imagine the curiosity it sparked upon its release, and how many individuals went off and inspired future imagery of sci-fi through the words painted in this book. In no way would I say that the book feels dated in its views or its depictions of the future ahead, in oppose to something like Back to the Future. There are no hoverboards or time machines that lure in this narrative.
My Own Reflection on Childhood’s End
At this point reading back I realize this is more of a plea to read the book rather than a review, as I have given no critical comment against what’s on its pages. Regardless of what I think though, or to what anyone else thinks, the author felt value and purpose in every scene created. As it does feel more like a cinematic Lense of a story rather than a book. Even at times making you feel absorbed as if you were consciously thinking the very same thing, which is very freaky. But as someone who does not usually read, I found this rather enjoyable. And on this note, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys both a futuristic outlook on humanity and the study of human nature.
I highly recommend that you get the book for yourself and read it, devour it and enjoy it!
Buy Now: Childhood’s End – Amazon
The only spoiler I would give in reflection on finishing the book would be describing it as Optimistically depressing. Thank you for taking in my words, I shall leave you with the words of Arther, bye now.
No utopia can ever give satisfaction to everyone
Aurther C, Clark
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