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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
This book took me about a quarter of the way to get into it. I didn't think I was going to enjoy it- it felt like a lot of world building without much story, and the whole civil war vet goes to space thing took some getting used to- but then I suddenly found myself really intrigued, sometime between John Carter fighting the Great White Apes (a species we never see again in the book) and the introduction of the almost-human citizens of Helium. Mars' antiquity that was referenced a few times was also very compelling to me- they run into ancient art (created by the human-like species) and allude to old seas that aren't present during the time of the story.
It's not the greatest book ever written. There are several jumps over details that make things more convenient for the writer. John Carter learned the telepathic aspect to the Barsoomian language without any kind of allusion to how that was possible. There was also a battle that the book had been building toward where we didn't get to see at all. It went from "so and so drew their sword" to "the combat was soon over." But it's good for what it is- a fun, adventure story.
It's not the greatest book ever written. There are several jumps over details that make things more convenient for the writer. John Carter learned the telepathic aspect to the Barsoomian language without any kind of allusion to how that was possible. There was also a battle that the book had been building toward where we didn't get to see at all. It went from "so and so drew their sword" to "the combat was soon over." But it's good for what it is- a fun, adventure story.
Short and not difficult, though the writing style is very turn of the (20th) century. Honestly I probably would have enjoyed it more had I not seen the movie - the movie was actually quite faithful to the story. I plan on reading the next one.
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Some writers have beautiful sentences. Some can create tangible, compelling characters. Some can spin a plot with masterful story telling.
A Princess of Mars (1917) doesn't have any of these things. And that's a deal-breaker for most people. In fact, I almost put this book down early on.
Edgar Rice Burrows does one thing well -- he nails his formula. He pulls off the archetypal adventure romance with pulp fiction mastery.
However, the best part about this novel is the genesis it represents. Burrows is one of the seminal hacks in the popularization of 20th century pulp literature, and the establishment and subsequent fissioning of genre fiction.
A Princess of Mars lays the foundation for, at least, the inspiration of later science fiction and science fantasy writers. This book is also regarded as the first 'planetary romance' sub-genre of science fantasy.
So maybe the historical context (the spotting of "canals" on Mars in the late 19th century) and the industry implications (the mass production of cheap books resulting in pop paperbacks) were the most interesting aspects for me.
Of course.... the obvious plot, the huge logical gaps, the flat sexist characters, the romanticized morality, etc., are all points against.
But since the read feels a tad academic, somehow, there seems less shame in slipping into a silly story about a white man with a sword running around Mars and killing evil green monster dudes for the sake of the hottest and richest girl in the solar system.
**A note on the audio**
I downloaded this audiobook for free (Google it) – a LibraVox recording in the public domain. The book is read by Thomas Copeland, and he does a great job overall. His voice is metered and his tone shows only subtle emotion -- perfect for this narrative's macho chivalry bent.
A Princess of Mars (1917) doesn't have any of these things. And that's a deal-breaker for most people. In fact, I almost put this book down early on.
Edgar Rice Burrows does one thing well -- he nails his formula. He pulls off the archetypal adventure romance with pulp fiction mastery.
However, the best part about this novel is the genesis it represents. Burrows is one of the seminal hacks in the popularization of 20th century pulp literature, and the establishment and subsequent fissioning of genre fiction.
A Princess of Mars lays the foundation for, at least, the inspiration of later science fiction and science fantasy writers. This book is also regarded as the first 'planetary romance' sub-genre of science fantasy.
So maybe the historical context (the spotting of "canals" on Mars in the late 19th century) and the industry implications (the mass production of cheap books resulting in pop paperbacks) were the most interesting aspects for me.
Of course.... the obvious plot, the huge logical gaps, the flat sexist characters, the romanticized morality, etc., are all points against.
But since the read feels a tad academic, somehow, there seems less shame in slipping into a silly story about a white man with a sword running around Mars and killing evil green monster dudes for the sake of the hottest and richest girl in the solar system.
**A note on the audio**
I downloaded this audiobook for free (Google it) – a LibraVox recording in the public domain. The book is read by Thomas Copeland, and he does a great job overall. His voice is metered and his tone shows only subtle emotion -- perfect for this narrative's macho chivalry bent.
fast-paced
My dad told me to read these books, and since I liked the movie all right, I decided to give it a try. This book is basically the definition of "Info Dump." That's pretty much all it was, plus some really formal dialogue. It was short, though, and because of how it ends, you'll probably find yourself wanting to read the second one too.
Since the dawn of science fiction, the genre has existed to explore one of two things. Mankind's place in the world, identity, shared sentience, and what it means to be human. Or the desire to be super cool and boink the hot alien chick.
Classic pulp fiction from the creator of Tarzan that is so bad it's good. Adventure and imagination make up for plot holes and two dimensional characters. This is Indiana Jones on Mars battling giant green men and saving the beautiful princess. I'm looking forward to the movie version next spring with a screenplay and direction by Andrew Stanton.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No