Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast 575. Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C. Clarke Review (with Matthew Kressel, Anthony Ha, Sara Lynn Michener)
Jul 27, 2024
Join Matthew Kressel, a noted science fiction writer, Anthony Ha, an influential media strategist, and Sara Lynn Michener, a passionate critic, as they explore Arthur C. Clarke's 'Rendezvous with Rama.' They discuss the allure of the unknown in sci-fi, contrasting Clarke's minimalist character development with modern storytelling. The conversation delves into the upcoming film adaptation, the challenges of maintaining narrative integrity, and the mysteries surrounding interstellar objects like Oumuamua. Their insights spark a thrilling exploration of humanity's quest for knowledge.
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Childhood Reading Memory
- Matthew Kressel remembers reading Rendezvous with Rama at his grandfather's house around age ten and being obsessed with it.
- He re-read it decades later and noticed different things stuck with him than when he was a kid.
Parental Warning Delayed Discovery
- David Bar-Kurtley recalls his dad warning him not to read Rama and calling it terrible, which delayed his exposure to Clarke.
- That parental reaction shaped his late discovery of Clarke's novels despite liking some of Clarke's short stories.
Rama As A Schematic Canvas
- The book functions less like traditional novel and more like a 'schematic diagram in prose' focused on concept and design over character.
- That structural choice creates a vivid visual canvas ideal for film adaptation.