Michael Morris Morris itibaren Ramasagara, Karnataka 563137, Hindistan
The book of Job in space is how I would initially describe this intriguing book. The tale begins near the end - Father Emilio Sandoz is the only survivor of a group of Jesuits and scientists who discovered radio signals from a far off planet and went to investigate. Sandoz is horribly maimed, traumatized, and accused of sexual deviancy and the murder of a child during the venture. As he defends himself and tells the story about he and his friends' discovery and adventure to a far off land, the reader wonders how this once joyful, faithful priest and scholar becomes the shell of the man he is upon returning home from Rakhat. Russell build the tension effectively. The characters are likeable, and their contact with the people of Rakhat seems to be going so well...but as the first chapter establishes, it all ends very badly. The book would also be of interest from the standpoint of cultural anthropology - the most benign and innocent of actions and mistakes lead to tragedy (these themes echo the misuderstandings in the history of colonialism and missions). Overall a great read, and more of a theollogical and cultural exploration than a science fiction novel.
A profound and insightful look into the future, as well as the past. Orwell wrote it utilizing his amazing vocabulary.