Scan barcode
jessica_lion's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
kaylielongley's review against another edition
5.0
Science fiction is my favorite genre of literature. These books are reminders of the overwhelming possibility of the universe. Science fiction reveals by painting a beautiful and deep yet terrifying picture of the cosmos. That picture tells us that for some reason or another, unbeknownst to most of us, we exist. Science fiction also warns, often through speculation or destruction. But the main reason why I love science fiction is simple: at its core, it’s very human, exposing the curiosities, possibilities, expectations, and stories of the human race.
The Man Who Fell to Earth, first published in the early 1960s, doesn't have ray guns and intergalactic war scenes. Author Walter Tevis drops the typical tropes and instead has written a very poignant, though slightly dated, novel that has since received a film adaptation staring David Bowie (yes, it’s on my watch-list). Its plot is admittedly simple, but each character is immensely intriguing. It features two perspectives which include Nathan Bryce, a scientist fascinated with the practical laws of the universe, and Newton, the titular alien, who quickly defies said logic. They learn to work together, Newton in the hope of saving the last of his people on Planet Anthea, and Bryce in his quest for meaning.
The novel is brutally honest about the ruthless, desolate nature of life. After years of studying American culture and its many particulars, Newton’s crash-landing to earth is unexpected, but rural Kentucky is even more so. Newton wants to save his own people, but he can’t save himself. His turn to gin and money for the pursuit of temporary satisfaction is both escapist and hedonistic. Similarly, Bryce’s obsession with chemistry is formed out of a desperate need for meaningfulness in an increasingly confusing, chaotic world. In reality, no one can be saved, and no one truly belongs. This is a fast-paced, beautiful novel that lingers. I’m excited to watch the film.
The Man Who Fell to Earth, first published in the early 1960s, doesn't have ray guns and intergalactic war scenes. Author Walter Tevis drops the typical tropes and instead has written a very poignant, though slightly dated, novel that has since received a film adaptation staring David Bowie (yes, it’s on my watch-list). Its plot is admittedly simple, but each character is immensely intriguing. It features two perspectives which include Nathan Bryce, a scientist fascinated with the practical laws of the universe, and Newton, the titular alien, who quickly defies said logic. They learn to work together, Newton in the hope of saving the last of his people on Planet Anthea, and Bryce in his quest for meaning.
The novel is brutally honest about the ruthless, desolate nature of life. After years of studying American culture and its many particulars, Newton’s crash-landing to earth is unexpected, but rural Kentucky is even more so. Newton wants to save his own people, but he can’t save himself. His turn to gin and money for the pursuit of temporary satisfaction is both escapist and hedonistic. Similarly, Bryce’s obsession with chemistry is formed out of a desperate need for meaningfulness in an increasingly confusing, chaotic world. In reality, no one can be saved, and no one truly belongs. This is a fast-paced, beautiful novel that lingers. I’m excited to watch the film.
mycroftxxx's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
isb_'s review against another edition
3.0
It was interesting to read this book as a fictionalised memoir of Tevis' last years, and I think the introduction that talks about Tevis' history was really helpful for framing it as such. This book captured the loneliness of illness and anxiety of isolation so well, but still wasn't 100% on it. 3/5 stars.
uparrowhead's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Man Who Fell To Earth was a novel that I randomly picked up in a bookstore, unsure of what it would be about, but interested by it's blurb. As I read through the life of Newton, Bryce, and subsequent other characters, however, it ended up becoming so much more than I had initially anticipated.
I'm not familiar with Tevis' works but I really enjoyed his stylistic writing, which managed to portray so many beautiful ideas throughout the book. The settings felt very atmospheric and each scene always managed to have a specific mood and tone which ran through it in a cozy and comfortable way that made the novel very enjoyable to read.
A specific beauty to this book is the characters and their relationships throughout the story. Each one felt very fleshed out and comprehensive, and each character came with their own flaws and struggles and strengths that made them a fantastic cast to follow throughout the story. Their interwoven conversations and interactions felt so incredibly realistic, emotional, and raw to read through; I loved their dynamics and progression.
In terms of sci-fi novels, I believe this one was excellent in it's execution. Newton's difficulty in adjusting to human life and his constant struggles made him a deep character who I loved to follow, even if his actions were sometimes incomprehensible to me. His dilemma throughout the novel was heart-wrenching. Additionally, I felt like the alien species and the details of the civilisation were well-thought out, and the ways in which the audience slowly learned more about them flowed easily through the story and scenes, rather than being large chunks of exposition being shoved down your throat.
My first read of 2024, and I think it was deserving of my high rating. Lovely read that almost had me in tears by the end of the novel.
I'm not familiar with Tevis' works but I really enjoyed his stylistic writing, which managed to portray so many beautiful ideas throughout the book. The settings felt very atmospheric and each scene always managed to have a specific mood and tone which ran through it in a cozy and comfortable way that made the novel very enjoyable to read.
A specific beauty to this book is the characters and their relationships throughout the story. Each one felt very fleshed out and comprehensive, and each character came with their own flaws and struggles and strengths that made them a fantastic cast to follow throughout the story. Their interwoven conversations and interactions felt so incredibly realistic, emotional, and raw to read through; I loved their dynamics and progression.
In terms of sci-fi novels, I believe this one was excellent in it's execution. Newton's difficulty in adjusting to human life and his constant struggles made him a deep character who I loved to follow, even if his actions were sometimes incomprehensible to me. His dilemma throughout the novel was heart-wrenching. Additionally, I felt like the alien species and the details of the civilisation were well-thought out, and the ways in which the audience slowly learned more about them flowed easily through the story and scenes, rather than being large chunks of exposition being shoved down your throat.
My first read of 2024, and I think it was deserving of my high rating. Lovely read that almost had me in tears by the end of the novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Addiction, Alcohol, Medical content, Medical trauma, Alcoholism, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Torture, Dysphoria, Xenophobia, Vomit, and Grief
Minor: War, Genocide, and Violence
ninj's review against another edition
4.0
Alien lands in capitalist country, sets about accruing as much money as he can. Discovers the joys of hard liquor along the way. Will his mysterious endeavors succeed?
It's almost 60 years old and has a pulpy feel to it, as books its age do, but it's pretty focused and if you're into human/alien trying to get by with the burden of being in an alien/human environment, this story does that really well. Fairly compact, not drawn out, quite readable. Shifts in POV between alien and humans along the way.
It's almost 60 years old and has a pulpy feel to it, as books its age do, but it's pretty focused and if you're into human/alien trying to get by with the burden of being in an alien/human environment, this story does that really well. Fairly compact, not drawn out, quite readable. Shifts in POV between alien and humans along the way.
jorgefernandez's review against another edition
3.0
Todo lo que me gustó de [b:Sinsonte|59729614|Sinsonte|Walter Tevis|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638297624l/59729614._SY75_.jpg|313880] lo he echado en falta aquí... El desenlace ha conseguido mantenerme alerta pero el desarrollo es bastante tedioso. Entiendo que los soliloquios son necesarios para dejar patente la soledad de Newton, pero se hacían interminables...
j_labrake's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED this story. Easy read and very interesting universe or should I say out of this universe experience. I especially liked that this novel was the back story to the recent Showtime series with the same name. I watched the series first then read this book and have never enjoyed experiencing content in that order until this book/series combination.
bluechew's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0