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| 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' by Walter Tevis (Penguin Modern Classics, 2009) |
Thomas J. Newton is a man like no other on Earth. Too tall, too pale and too fragile, onlookers soon notice something strange about the purposeful multi-millionaire, although thought of his wealth often silences their worries. Appearing from nowhere with technological schematics representing a great, and unexpected, leap forward for mankind, Newton comes to the attention of inquisitive academic Nathan Bryce. After much effort, Bryce begins working for Newton's organisation, contributing to a huge and complex building project the like of which the world has never seen. Although sated for a time, Bryce becomes more and more suspicious of his new employer and determines to discover his secret. Unfortunately, he's not the only one interested in Newton and his motives.
I really enjoy this sort of science fiction. Anyone who dismisses it as 'nerdy', 'geeky' or 'cult' is missing out on some wonderful explorations of society and what it means to be human. Unlike with the big hitters such as 'The Handmaid's Tale' or 'Brave New World', I didn't know much about the story before I started reading it. I thought it was a straight forward Earth invasion tale, so I was delighted to find it is so much more. It's hard to believe it's not better known as a book as well as a film, but then again perhaps I've just led a bit of a sheltered life!
The key characters of Newton and Bryce are beautifully and sympathetically portrayed, easy to relate to and realistically believable (not something that goes hand-in-hand with the stereotype of science fiction!). It's hard not to be drawn in by Newton and really feel for him as he begins to doubt himself, his mission and even his own people. In fact, I think his is a story that anyone who has suffered from moments of self doubt will really relate to.
The themes of distance, alienation and hope are meticulously explored through this story and yet the only parts I found a bit hard going were the paragraphs which described scientific methods. You'd think I could cope with that sort of thing, especially as it must've been quite simple technology, but I did feel at times that I needed a sort of idiot's guide so I could get my head around a few basic principles! It's a long time since I did my GCSEs and, let's face it, technology has changed an awful lot since 1963! Although not under alien influence, as far as I know..!
Overall, 'The Man Who Fell to Earth' is a fascinating novel about humanity which deserves a wider readership and a place on the school syllabus.
I must be having a good week because I'm also 80% of the way through another book, so hope to be back blogging for you again soon!
