Michael Smith is he only survivor of the first manned mission to Mars - and yet, he is a native-born Martian. In fact, he is the son of two of the crew, and when all the crew died, Michael was reared by the Martian race - super-intelligent and humane, but utterly alien. No further missions to Mars were attempted for many years.
The story begins with the return of the now-adult Michael to earth - physically a human being, but culturally, emotionally and mentally an alien. Michael's view of Earth society (this novel is the source of the verb 'to grok') makes the reader look again at all the things usually taken for granted. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book - very upbeat FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story What is main char. doing? - rescue mission/escape from confinement Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Cultural problems, alien culture Yes Culture clash- - one person from different culture of other persons Descript. of chases or violence - 0 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 40 % Main Character Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Really unusual traits? Setting Which planet? - Mars Takes place on Earth? Yes Not Earth, in Solar System? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed Sex in book? Yes How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript |