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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
The film version blows. Matthew McConaughey can suck it.
So Carl Sagan, who worked on the SETI program for several years, basically works through the "what if" scenario in which extraterrestrials communicate a message to our planet. The idea seems simple enough, but Sagan explores in detail the political, scientific and spiritual ramifications of such a monumental event ever taking place. Some on Earth seek further understanding of the message and its instructions while others claim it is the voice of the Devil himself. The protagonist, astronomer Ellie Arroway, is a strong, curious, superbly intelligent woman who has set aside emotional ties to friends and family in favor of understanding the universe. She is a nuanced character who feels the pain of her decision long after she even knew she made it.
Sagan's style is clean, gorgeous, and says just what it needs to say without embellishment, without tricks, and without showing off. He is not interested in writing for writers, which I think is what I find so refreshing about his prose. This is the only piece of fiction I have read by Sagan, and his awe and humility about the universe and our place in it transition seamlessly into narrative form. As he says so perfectly: "For small creatures such as we the vastness is only bearable through love."
So Carl Sagan, who worked on the SETI program for several years, basically works through the "what if" scenario in which extraterrestrials communicate a message to our planet. The idea seems simple enough, but Sagan explores in detail the political, scientific and spiritual ramifications of such a monumental event ever taking place. Some on Earth seek further understanding of the message and its instructions while others claim it is the voice of the Devil himself. The protagonist, astronomer Ellie Arroway, is a strong, curious, superbly intelligent woman who has set aside emotional ties to friends and family in favor of understanding the universe. She is a nuanced character who feels the pain of her decision long after she even knew she made it.
Sagan's style is clean, gorgeous, and says just what it needs to say without embellishment, without tricks, and without showing off. He is not interested in writing for writers, which I think is what I find so refreshing about his prose. This is the only piece of fiction I have read by Sagan, and his awe and humility about the universe and our place in it transition seamlessly into narrative form. As he says so perfectly: "For small creatures such as we the vastness is only bearable through love."
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Grief, Death of parent
I really enjoyed the eloquent writing and science depicted in this book. For me , all the philosophy and religion felt belabored and droned in for much too long in too many chapters. Hence the “3”
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was everything I wanted in a sci-fi book, and more!
I watched the 1997 movie years ago and fell in love with the concept and mystery surrounding this first-contact (mild spoiler? I guess?! It's in the title!!) story. I've always had it in the back of my mind, and when I saw this book in store, I just had to get my hands on it. Boy, was I glad when I finally got around to reading it.
I won't say this is light reading. The story is often dense, slow paced, and has for some frustrating moments both by our main character and the world around them. Yet, I'm still left with a sense of awe as the author manages to weave such a thoughtful narrative about love, faith, and the power of the universe all in what is otherwise a very grounded setting. I loved how much time we got with our main character of Ellie. Her passion and drive were really a core theme of this book, and watching her strive through the narrative was, at times, beautiful.
While I truly do love this book, I did find at times the pacing to be glacial. In some ways, this was a benefit, allowing us to come to terms with the changing landscape this book brings to the world. Seeing the reactions, choices, and decisions the world has to navigate through made for some of my favourite moments. Especially the strong religious themes. Having being bought up Christian but losing my faith in my late teens, I found it especially poignant seeing deeply religious characters reframe religion in a way that spoke to not only me but the characters within the story. Other times, the book felt to be tredding water, having multiple conflicts that grind the story to a halt until they're removed.
All in all, this is a deeply moving story with a fantastic premise. For all its slow, methodical pace, I still find myself left with a sense of wonder and one I would definitely recommend if this review sounds similar to a vibe you want from sci-fi.
I watched the 1997 movie years ago and fell in love with the concept and mystery surrounding this first-contact (mild spoiler? I guess?! It's in the title!!) story. I've always had it in the back of my mind, and when I saw this book in store, I just had to get my hands on it. Boy, was I glad when I finally got around to reading it.
I won't say this is light reading. The story is often dense, slow paced, and has for some frustrating moments both by our main character and the world around them. Yet, I'm still left with a sense of awe as the author manages to weave such a thoughtful narrative about love, faith, and the power of the universe all in what is otherwise a very grounded setting. I loved how much time we got with our main character of Ellie. Her passion and drive were really a core theme of this book, and watching her strive through the narrative was, at times, beautiful.
While I truly do love this book, I did find at times the pacing to be glacial. In some ways, this was a benefit, allowing us to come to terms with the changing landscape this book brings to the world. Seeing the reactions, choices, and decisions the world has to navigate through made for some of my favourite moments. Especially the strong religious themes. Having being bought up Christian but losing my faith in my late teens, I found it especially poignant seeing deeply religious characters reframe religion in a way that spoke to not only me but the characters within the story. Other times, the book felt to be tredding water, having multiple conflicts that grind the story to a halt until they're removed.
All in all, this is a deeply moving story with a fantastic premise. For all its slow, methodical pace, I still find myself left with a sense of wonder and one I would definitely recommend if this review sounds similar to a vibe you want from sci-fi.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Surprisingly technical for a fiction book, felt at times that Sagan was perhaps flexing his lexicon and scientific mind. It was a very well thought out concept, and all felt grounded in reality though. Some really beautiful and fascinating ideas explored too. What holds it back is that the momentum doesn't really build up to much in a lot of scenes / chapters; they appear more for debate and expressing ideas than for plot development.
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes