Customer Reviews

Out of the silence

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

 

 

Out of the Silence by Erle Cox was published in Novel form in 1925. Before that, it appeared as a serial in the Argus, which was a daily newspaper in Melbourne. In 1949, it tied for 13th on the Arkham Survey of `Basic SF Titles', but unlike many of the other books on that list, it has disappeared from notice. Only occasionally does it seem to get mentioned, and then it is referred to as the first major Australian SF novel and not as an all-time classic.

The copy that I managed to find was published by Sirius Quality Paperbacks in 1981, and is 416 pages in length. The story is kind of a combination of the Atlantis myth with the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. I think one of the reasons it has not lasted as well as some other classic SF titles, is that it is fairly predictable. I knew from reading the prologue where the book was going for the most part, and it takes its time getting there. On the plus side, it is enjoyable reading, even if you know where it is going.

At the risk of being a small spoiler, there is one part of the plot that is important, and was not predictable from the prologue alone. The racial issue given the context of this book being written between the two world wars is interesting, and somewhat foretelling. I suspect that it is for this reason that the book was highly rated in 1949 when August Derleth conducted the Arkham Survey. However, even that issue, once it is introduced it plays out as one would expect.

If the above review sounds negative, then I should clearly state that I think this is an enjoyable book to read. Some may find it a bit slow paced, but I would say it is above average, but not enough above to give it four stars.

I had the pleasure of reading this book over 20 years ago! Also, my book is signed by the author, Mr. Erle cox.

This story takes place in the mid-1900's on an Australian ranch where an ancient object is dug up. (I won't disclose what that object is!) The story keeps the reader in suspense and it's difficult to put the book down!

This book is classic science-fiction and romance at its best...

A quite sophisticated effort. A Victorian man living outside the town of Glen Cairn discovers an artifact, while looking to dig a water hole for his wine-growing property. Unlike the reader, he hasn't read the prologue, so does not know that an advanced human woman is contained within.

Amidst some highly entertaining social satire, she uses him to learn from, and looks to implement the weeding out of the 'inferior' races, as they had done in the past before they were destroyed. This past history is detailed through the later part of the novel, and is not dull.

The protagonist is basically incapable of thinking too logically about this stunning traveller through time, and it is up to his friend, and once-girlfriend to attempt to bring him to his senses. With the help of what is apparently, amazingly, an honest and brave politician, the Prime Minister, who is happily in Melbourne at the time, they manage to stall her for a time from bringing back to life her childhood friend, and superior! Who happens to be contained in a similar artifact, in what is now the Himalayas.

Thus, of course, a tragic love triangle has ensued.

This book deserves its reputation.