Dolphin Island [Paperback]

Arthur C. Clarke (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Berkley (December 15, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042507143X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425071434
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,770,473 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"SIR ARTHUR C. CLARKE (1917-2008) wrote the novel and co-authored the screenplay for 2001: A Space Odyssey. He has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and he is the only science-fiction writer to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. His fiction and nonfiction have sold more than one hundred million copies in print worldwide.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A solid adventure story, September 11, 2003

By 

Bill R. Moore (New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dolphin Island (Paperback)

Dolphin Island is one of those solid, worthy Arthur C. Clarke books that has been out of print for many years and is now quite hard to find. This is a novel that Clarke wrote in the early 60's after spending a substantial amount of time around Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Clarke, as many are not aware, was, at least at one time, just as interested in diving and the sea as he was in space. Clearly fascinated by what he saw in his time around the reef, it inspired Clarke to write this novel, one of his very few targeted at young adults. As such, it lacks the poetic prose and philosophical and theological aspects that permeate Clarke's best novels. However, it is a very tight, well-written, and highly-enjoyable adventure romp. It is a very fast read, and you will be interested all the way through. Although it was intended as a book for young adults, Clarke being Clarke, this book is nevertheless packed full of interesting ideas and concepts. Clarke's speculations on dolphin intelligence and the many applications he dreams up for them are vivid and very believable. The descriptions of the Reef are also very poetic and sometimes beautifully rendered; however, as another reviewer pointed out, these sections tend to go on for too long and sometimes slow down the pace of the novel. Don't worry, though: it's nothing close to what he made it out to be. This is a very short novel to begin with, and these sections comprise the majority of only 3 or 4 chapters. Those more interested in the Reef and underwater exploration in general may find these sections more satisfying than I did. At any rate, this is a solid, action-packed adventure story that is a worthy read for any Clarke fan and recommended reading for younger science fiction lovers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like finding an old friend, March 25, 2007

By 

Avid reader (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dolphin Island (Paperback)

I first read this book when I was in the 7th grade in 1967. It's one of the first books I remember holding my interest all the way through. As a young boy, I could relate to the protagonist and other characters in the book. It inspired me to continue reading. Today, I am a published author with two books and am working on a third one. I work as a newspaper editor. I have just ordered a copy so my grandson can read it. This is the book that planted the seed for me as to just how much fun reading could be. I highly recommend it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book, December 18, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Dolphin Island (Paperback)

Dolphin Island-A Story of the People of the Sea is a wonderful book! This futuristic tale seems like a reality, and the characters have vived personalities. You are drawn into the story. The ending leaves you yearning to read more! It's a Must Read!