A review by manuphoto
A Case of Conscience by James Blish

reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book is a partly excellent study of morality, ethics, culture and religion, at least in the first half of the book. Although fairly short, it touches these deep topics with aplomb and I quite enjoyed the delivery by Blish in the first chapters of the novel.

Just a little “warning”. This book was written in the 1950s and as such, it comports some grotesque sexism and even some racism (a tad indirect, but still, white Christian men are obviously the epitome of “good humans” in Blish’s view). There are also some cute elements, such as the fact that they use films and tapes. Oh, and there is that fascination with everything atomic sooo current in the 50’s, although it’s not the focus of the book.

The core of the story is actually fascinating, even if the novel itself is fairly unequal. I’ve never seen a novel with two halves that are so different. I understand that it was a novella that was later expended but still. It’s a bit unsettling.

Whereas the first half contains a genuinely deep question of religion, economics and even colonialism, the second half loses itself in lesser considerations, even when it tries to circle back to the main topics of the story. For some part, it’s much more akin to a classic tale of seeing our own world through a stranger’s eyes. While this concept can indeed be a good one, it’s not that well used here and results in relatively boring and shallow chapters.

It’s really strange, as if Blish didn’t really care if the two halves of the book failed to make a whole experience. And I find it especially damaging since the first part was so engaging and smart. The first 100 pages or so were page turners with deep

philosophical themes. During the second half, I was sometimes yawning. There were still some good elements, analysis and comments, but they were drowned in irrelevant storylines. Really, really strange.

I can also see how this novel has inspired many others after it. Stranger in a Strange Land comes to mind, as do other stories set in an dystopian future. However, the lack of cohesion between the two halves of the story and the global unevenness of the book made it an OK but not great read for me. Fine, but not highly recommended.