Reviews

Clarke writes about big things in Childhood’s End. It’s 1950s sci-fi from start to finish. I found the first half of the book less challenging than the second half: or maybe my interest grew as the Overlords’ motives were gradually revealed. Some of the minor details were amusing: Flying cars! Cocktails! The end of poverty! Other 1950s features were more problematic: casual racism, and Clarke’s handling of the role of women. These take away from an otherwise good read. Recommended.

goobearmilltato's review against another edition

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4.0

I was a bit disappointed that a major plot point that drew me in during the first third of the book was only paid off with a sentence or two at the very end, but by that point I was just happy it had a payoff at all. Overall I enjoyed the book quite a bit, but the three major sections of the story sort of broke up the flow for me.

Each one would build to a point where I became very absorbed and interested in the what would happen next, and then it'd move to the next section and thus a different set of major characters and plot points. In the end, all of these things came together and had a purpose, but the payoff didn't blow me away, merely satisfied me.

So, in the end everything came together alright, but getting to that point was a little bit frustrating. Still completely worth reading. I also think it'd make a pretty awesome movie if someone did it right.

tanya_the_spack's review against another edition

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4.0

Very enjoyable. I remember reading and liking it in high school, but couldn't remember anything about it. I am happy it is just as good now. Considering how old the book is, the story holds up remarkably well. Interesting and melancholic.

curiouserrr's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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