55 pages • 1 hour read
Out of the Silent Planet
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Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
Mars • Future
1938
HarperCollins
Adult
13+ years
1020L
Super Short Summary
Dr. Elwin Ransom, a linguistics professor from Cambridge, is abducted by two men, Weston and Devine, and taken to the planet Malacandra (Mars), where he escapes and discovers a peaceful, intelligent alien race and their spiritual beliefs. As he learns about their culture and the reasons behind Earth's isolation, Ransom confronts his own humanity and eventually returns to Earth to share his transformative experience.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Mysterious
Contemplative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
102,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis is commended for its imaginative world-building and philosophical depth. Readers appreciate its exploration of morality and human nature set against an otherworldly backdrop. However, some critique the pacing and dense prose. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking classic in science fiction literature.
Who Should Read Out of the Silent Planet?
Readers who enjoy a blend of science fiction and philosophical exploration akin to H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds or J.R.R. Tolkien's realms will find C.S. Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet captivating. It appeals to those intrigued by interplanetary adventures laced with deep moral and theological reflections.
102,113 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hyoi
Hyoi
A member of the alien species called hrossa who becomes Ransom's first friend on Malacandra, helping him navigate the planet's culture and languages.
Dr. Weston
Dr. Weston
An accomplished physicist and one of Ransom's abductors, known for his plans to colonize Malacandra in the belief that humanity is superior.
Devine
Devine
An old schoolmate of Ransom and co-abductor, driven by greed and the desire to exploit Malacandra's resources for personal gain.
Oyarsa
Oyarsa
A spiritual and powerful being who resides on Malacandra, acting as a guardian and guide for the planet's inhabitants while maintaining cosmic order.
Maleldil the Young, The Old One, and The Bent One
Maleldil the Young, The Old One, and The Bent One
A series of spiritual figures in the novel, featuring Maleldil the Young as a benevolent creator, The Old One as a ruler of the universe, and The Bent One as a corrupting presence tied to Earth's challenges.
160
Novel • Fiction
Mars • Future
1938
HarperCollins
Adult
13+ years
1020L
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