Customer Reviews

The Deep Range

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On something of a departure for Clarke, he explores the depths of earth's oceans in this book, rather than his usual space sagas. It succeeds remarkably well, and is better than his more well-known novel of the ocean (The Ghost From The Grand Banks). The plot is good, with several surprising mini-twists, and the characterization is better than on most of his works. Also, as with all his books, the ending is beautiful and poetic. A must read for the Clarke fan.

Arthur C. Clarke created a few novels and short stories that took place not in outer space, but under the sea, and this release from the mid-1950s is the earliest of note. The deep sea is surely alien and mysterious enough to qualify for compelling science fiction, which was one of Clarke's great insights. In this novel, humanity has turned to the oceans for reliable food supplies, courtesy of maverick deep sea divers with a level of heroism usually found in the astronauts of more typical sci-fi. Unfortunately, this novel becomes merely a series of crises and discoveries that will thrill the adventurous reader but will cause some disdain for those seeking deeper themes (notwithstanding an abrupt injection of religious commentary near the end). And in a rare case of poor story construction by Clarke, he even leaves several plotlines hanging - like when a giant squid is captured with great drama but then is never mentioned again. This story also suffers from some forced literary parallels with Moby Dick - an idea that Clarke seems to have started with but forgot to apply consistently. Granted, Clarke still delivered plenty of the thrills of discovery and adventures into the unknown that were his perennial strengths. But in terms of plot and characterization, this novel doesn't quite stack up with his classics. [~doomsdayer520~]

like many clarke readers, i came to know him through his more popular works like 2001. i have always found his writing to be enjoyable and easy to digest, and have enjoyed the smarter science fiction he's produced.

i found this book to be uncharacteristic for clarke in several ways. the obvious change is in the setting, underwater as opposed to in space. however, i found clarke departed from his usual careful attention to science absent, as well. several of the realities of the ocean and the world he's created are ignored. finally, clarke's tenor, which i find to be often optimistic and inspiring, is also toned down.

all in all a different book than what i expected, and probably the kind of thing a clarke fan would enjoy when they're looking for a slight departure from the norm. still, not one of his best works.

Most known by his space odyssey series such as 2001, 2010, 2061, and 3001, it seems a bit out of place that Arthur C Clake writes on deep sea adventure. He is one of the pioneers on diving with aqualungs. And he enjoys diving at Ceylon, currently called Sri Lanka. Plus he loves the marine adventure stories like Melvil's Moby Dick or Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.

If you share the love of such thrilling marine adventure shown in aforementioned works and the fans of the movies like LEVIATHAN, or ABYSS, this 50s Clarke work is perfect for you.

By the way this story also shows that Clarke can not live without space materials (just find out this by searching for Franklin's past). Also shown is his respect for Bhuddism and Dalai Lama like character drives the story into the depth.

Verdict: Not a space adventure as his noted works but really an enjoyable read.
Rating: 83 out of 100
Recommended for: Clarke's fan. And marine adventure stories' fans.

If you're into Heinlein then your going to love this book! A great read! All about the future of the meat industry (sort of) herding whales with subs, chasing giant snakes down in the depths of the earth; all in great tech detail. Like I said before... If you're into Heinlein then your going to love this book!

I don't think I've ever read a Clarke book that wasn't first-rate; this is no exception. It depicts the wardens who herd the giant whale groups that provide a substantial portion of the future earth with food. Like all his books, it flows effortlessly and ends beautifully.

This book opended up diffrent views on how the future will be. While reading it I kept on thinking that the future in the book was very realalistic. I would refer this book to any reader who likes a good Sci-Fi novel.

The one thing that The Deep Range may have going for it, now that it is far past its pulp science-fiction hype, is that it was probaly part of the inspiration for many of today's techo-thriller writers.

Many writers probably read this novel and said "I can write better than this". I have to agree with them. The Deep Range was best read when it was new, and part of the pulp craze. It is now not withstanding the test of time.