![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
![[info]](https://www.insanejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small}
16. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke
Rendezvous with Rama is a classic of hard sci-fi. The plot revolved around a mysterious alien ship dubbed Rama by its discoverers, who initially thought it was a peculiar asteroid, until it got close enough for more detailed observations. A survey ship is sent to Rama, the only one close enough to rendezvous with it. The crew enter Rama and explore it, initially in darkness. At first it's believed that the ship was dead, that whatever its original purpose had been, it had failed and was devoid of any kind of life. But then it comes to life, though the creatures that fill it completely ignore humanity. They only had a few weeks to explore before they were forced to break off from Rama due to Rama approaching too close to the Sun. And then Rama simply slingshots around the Sun and leaves the Solar System, completely ignoring humanity.
It's a very interesting book. There isn't much in the way of interpersonal drama or other character-driven storylines (and many reviewers on Amazon considered the book rather dull for that reason), however, there is a strong sense of mystery and awe. It involved professionals attempting to figure out a scientific puzzle, and leaving nearly as ignorant as they'd come. It's one of my favorite Clarke books, but admittedly not for everyone.
Rendezvous with Rama is a classic of hard sci-fi. The plot revolved around a mysterious alien ship dubbed Rama by its discoverers, who initially thought it was a peculiar asteroid, until it got close enough for more detailed observations. A survey ship is sent to Rama, the only one close enough to rendezvous with it. The crew enter Rama and explore it, initially in darkness. At first it's believed that the ship was dead, that whatever its original purpose had been, it had failed and was devoid of any kind of life. But then it comes to life, though the creatures that fill it completely ignore humanity. They only had a few weeks to explore before they were forced to break off from Rama due to Rama approaching too close to the Sun. And then Rama simply slingshots around the Sun and leaves the Solar System, completely ignoring humanity.
It's a very interesting book. There isn't much in the way of interpersonal drama or other character-driven storylines (and many reviewers on Amazon considered the book rather dull for that reason), however, there is a strong sense of mystery and awe. It involved professionals attempting to figure out a scientific puzzle, and leaving nearly as ignorant as they'd come. It's one of my favorite Clarke books, but admittedly not for everyone.