The Write Book Buzz

by Nick DiChario

            Arthur C. Clarke’s Childhood’s End was originally published in 1953. Most science fiction that old has fallen hopelessly out of date, but Clarke’s novel survives for many reasons.

            The story is epic, spanning two centuries of human history, and it’s the kind of book that makes you think, surprises and delights, even more than fifty years after its original publication.

            Yes, there is an alien invasion, where giant spaceships appear over all the major cities in the world (how many times has this been knocked off by later writers?) but Clarke plays against our assumptions almost immediately, revealing the Overlords--the aliens--as kind and benevolent beings. They don’t want to enslave us. No, quite the opposite. They want to relieve all our suffering: war, hunger, poverty, illness. They want to create a certain kind of utopia for us, one that is very, very appealing.

            But there is a price to pay. We humans will not be allowed to explore space. Although we have the capability at our fingertips, although we are one step away from venturing to the stars, the Overlords will not allow it, for we are not worthy.

            Sure, some of the social politics are dated, the traditional roles of women may raise a few hackles, but the themes of longing, individualism, and enlightenment are unmistakable and resonate even today.

           The new edition has been re-published by Del Rey Impact. It’s a great introduction to the field, and a fine, nostalgic re-buy for fans of all ages. (Money well spent, as you’ll see if you read my Random Acts of Language column this month.)

            Buy this book from the Write Book and Gift Shop, Writer-On-Line’s official bookstore, at www.Writebookandgifts.com, $13.95, and we’ll ship it to you for free (or please-please-please support your local independent bookstore and buy it there).

Nick DiChario is the owner of The Write Book and Gift Shop, located in the quaint little village of Honeoye Falls, NY (www.Writebookandgifts.com), the official bookstore of Writer-On-Line. His short fiction has appeared in science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and mainstream publications in the United States and abroad, and his work has been reprinted in The Year’s Best Science Fiction, The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, and The Best Alternate History Stories of the 20th Century, among many others. (Some of his short fiction may be found at http://www.fictionwise.com.) Nick has also been nominated for a John W. Campbell Award, two Hugo Awards, and a World Fantasy Award. In addition to writing stories, Nick is the fiction editor of HazMat Literary Review (http://www.hmlr.org), a magazine dedicated to printing new voices and politically aware poetry and prose. Nick’s first novel, A Small and Remarkable Life, will be published in spring 2006 by Red Deer Press.