The Last Theorem
by Arthur C. Clarke, Frederik Pohl
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Book Reviews of The Last Theorem
Book Review: Tales in Serial--A Modern Day Odyssey
Summary: 4 Stars
As I read through this novel, I found that The Last Theorem is not one story, but many told in serial. This is a technique we forget about in modern sci-fi, where stories are nearly always told in parallel.
I began appreciating each tale as it came, and relishing the moments between when I could reflect on what happened. Our hero (Ranjit) becomes somewhat of a modern-day Odysseus, but his passion for Fermat's last theorem replaces fighting, while events in Sri Lanka, the world, and the Galaxy become his Odyssey.
While this book is neither author's greatest work, it's a fun collaboration, revisiting themes of mid 20th-century science fiction in an even older format. Fans of the genre will want to read this with that in mind, and to take a look at another way of writing serious science fiction.
Book Review: Resting on very old laurels
Summary: 1 Stars
I picked this book up hoping that it would have the same sort of magic that earlier Clarke fiction had in spades. Sadly, it was a major disappointment in every way. Other reviewers have it right - poor plot, cardboard cutout characters, oddly mocking tones, unresolved developments. It is a mystery how this could have left the galleys.
Ultimately, the worst realization for me was to conclude that had this book not been authored by two of the greatest names in the SF pantheon, it would never have been accepted for publication.
Which leads me to think that this was not really a book that had to be written by choice, but possibly to simply fulfill a contract or pay off an obligation. Clarke and Pohl mailed this one in, and it shows. Unworthy coda to an amazing career.
Book Review: Disappointing swan song for Mr. A. C. Clarke
Summary: 1 Stars
I'm a long time fan of Arthur C. Clarke's SF pieces, and I am saddened to have to say that The Last Theorem is very poorly written and edited; the story line in the early part of the book starts out promisingly enough, but loses steam in the middle for no apparent reason, and close to the end there seems to be an entire chapter missing then the book jumps to its concluding chapter. For those who respect the lifelong contribution to SF by the late Mr. Clarke, please stay away from this book, and re-read his earlier novels that made him so famous.Book Review: Not a Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
First, I enjoyed the book and will read it again in the future.
The development of the main character is exceptional. But, the interweaving of the sub-plots into the story is much less than expected from these grandmasters of science fiction. The sub-plots/story lines are stereotypical and shallow. If this book was published back in the 1940s or 1950s it might of been a classic but not now.
This book is historical in this sense it is Arthur C. Clarke's first new book published since his death.
Book Review: Last effort falls short
Summary: 3 Stars
Clarke has been a favorite for many years. His passing was a loss to fans around the world. While the concept for his last book held out great promise it failed to deliver the depth of his previous library of work. The story line wandered and lacked the coordination readers had come to expect. While reading it seemed as if sections were missing. I assume that Pohl attempted to stay close to the story line is the few thin notes Clarke left. The infirmities of age show in this not quite finished last effort.