Commentaires client les plus utiles
|
|
5.0étoiles sur 5
Take the time to figure out this puzzle! It's worth it., Nov. 22 2008
As the paranoia and fear of the early stages of the Cold War escalated and the prospect of global destruction in an atomic war crystallized into a terrifying possibility, a pioneering trip to a more placid Mars must have seemed welcoming. As early successes with the development of technology such as "Sputnik" made a an exploration of this magnitude a likely technological achievement within the next few decades, manned exploration and the colonization of Mars no doubt evolved into a sexy and exciting dream, indeed.
Bradbury's series of loosely connected vignettes set against the backdrop of America's first landing on Mars, the false starts and failures of several expeditions and the spread of disease resulting in the elimination of a planet's entire population, actually constitute a scathing critique of what he saw as the worst failings of the social fabric of 1950s America - imperialism, bigotry and racial prejudice, xenophobia, guns, environmental pollution, waste, foreign policy, censorship, and the untrammeled growth of technology all wrapped up in the unfailing smug sense of superiority that the American way is the only way!
"The Martian Chronicles" is not a straightforward read. In the opening chapters, a light and fluffy approach borders on inane as the reader is left wondering precisely what is happening. It's only perseverance that will lead the reader to a more profound understanding and appreciation of Bradbury's intention. "Way in the Middle of the Air", for instance, is perhaps the most moving single piece of writing I have ever experienced - extraordinary in its simplicity and yet blistering in its condemnation of the treatment of blacks in the American south in the 50s. Finally, the reader will be rewarded with the warm, optimistic closing of "The Million Year Picnic". This is perhaps the only story in the entire collection in which I believe Bradbury really is talking about the future and the possible colonization of another planet. It is his simple suggestion that these efforts would be doomed to an extended and painful failure if Americans attempt to shape another planet into the mould of their US-centric terrestrial expectations. Only through adaptation and the re-formulation of society according to what the planet will allow, would such colonization be expected to prosper.
Everyone who reads to the end of this story will wonder whether it should be considered as science fiction at all but nobody will harbour the smallest doubt that the term "Classic" is richly deserved.
Paul Weiss
Aidez d'autres clients à trouver les commentaires les plus utiles
Ce commentaire vous a-t-il été utile ?
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.0étoiles sur 5
I expected better..., Aoû 30 2005
The first time I read this book I was in high school and in the latter half of a research program on chemical perception enhancement. At the time I thought this was a great book. Based on those memories, I bought the NBC Television Mini-series on VHS in my second year of university. Then, I attributed the suckage level of that production to the typical mid-seventies literary "interpretation". However, a recent re-read of the book has led me to reevaluate my assessment of this opus of Bradbury's. Now, Bradbury is famous for such classics as "Farenheight 451" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes". The Martian Chronicles though, lacks any of the sophisticated storytelling one might expect from a master with Bradbury's credentials. One of the annoying things was the ridiculously unrealistic schedule at which major events occurred. On top of that, in one chronicle, when faced with an unbelievable scene at their arrival on Mars, the astronauts of an expedition perform some pathetically naïve mental gymnastics in order to rationalise what they are experiencing.Later chronicles don't improve much. Granted, Bradbury was trying to make a statement regarding the human tendency for violence not only toward each other but also toward our home planet. Unfortunately, he goes about it in such a ham-handed way that the characters come off as clownish morons and you end up spending more time wondering how these idiots ever made it to Mars without blowing themselves up. Of course, you are less than surprised when they do. Humans blow themselves up through their arrogance and disrespect for the environment and Native peoples. For that message, I can think of better presentations.
Aidez d'autres clients à trouver les commentaires les plus utiles
Ce commentaire vous a-t-il été utile ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.0étoiles sur 5
Not science fiction... But does that make it bad?, Jui 25 2004
Certainly not. Admittedly there are a few bland points but one must get over the fact that it really _isn't_ a science fiction book. By all means that does not make it bad. Sure, it's off a category or so but that's beside the point. To judge we must judge by quality and meaning, not simply a genre miscalculation. The Martian Chronicles portrays human behavior, ideas, and even fears. There are bland chapters and there are really exciting chapters. It's the feeling in the book that counts. Most books that involve other planets focus on technology, war, or a conflict that is external to the inner most thoughts and feelings of human beings. Bradbury changes that with his unique style in The Martian Chronicles. It doesn't ruin literature with modern literary devices that are overused or overanalyzed, yet applies them when appropriate - without disturbing the quality of the book. Unfortunately it's rather rigid. From discussion with others about the book, you either like it or you dislike it. There isn't a middle ground for The Martian Chronicles. It's worth a read so if possible rent it at your local library. I ended up buying a copy because I find some of the stories rather interesting. Try to make sure to obtain the book that has all the chapters - since I recall in a few versions there is a lack of a certain chapter. Final rating: 3.5 - It's a nice read but isn't a MUST have. The bland chapters are in bad places - it sometimes makes it seem like the book is dragging on instead of progressing smoothly. Overall, I can find enjoyment with little qualms.
Aidez d'autres clients à trouver les commentaires les plus utiles
Ce commentaire vous a-t-il été utile ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commentaires client les plus récents
|
de Ray Bradbury
de Ray Bradbury
de H. G. Wells
de Ray Bradbury
de Ray Bradbury
