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The Sands of Mars

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The Sands of Mars

By: Arthur C. Clarke
Narrated by: Greg Wagland
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About this listen

It is the 21st century, and on Mars a dedicated group of pioneers - among them some of Earth's finest brains - struggle to change the face of the planet. Science fiction writer Martin Gibson finally gets a chance to visit the research colony on the Red Planet. It's a dream come true - until he discovers the difficulties and perils of survival on another world...and the very real terror it holds.

©1951 Arthur C. Clarke (P)2016 W F Howes Ltd Science Fiction Fiction Solar System Mars

Critic reviews

"One of the truly prophetic figures of the space age. The colossus of science fiction." ( The New Yorker)
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Story is not as good as his other works a bit dull less intriguing, voice actor is perfect for the story very easy to listen to.

Great readers voice Not as good as his other works

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I first read this about 50 years ago so could not remember much of plot but turned back to it , for the comfort of being told a story in this very uncomfortable time . It was really good . Well read and a good story , Clark can be a bit cluncky with info dumps and some characters are some times one dimensional at this early stage of his career but that is mostly avoided. Some of the tech is of course wildly dated ( as is the social behaviour- characters reach for a cigarette at times of crisis for example) but the story of the struggle to survive and succeed on Mars is gripping and well narrated . The subplots all stand up well . This is classic SF and very enjoyable , the capacity for human beings to overcome problems with science is very relevant to 2021 and Clark’s belief on humanity is bracing ( as in show some backbone ) .

Classic SF

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Sands of Mars to be better than the print version?

No

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Sands of Mars?

The discussion between the main character Martin Gibson (a Science Fiction writer) and a space liner crew member about how science fiction can become dated. This seems like an aside to the reader as the author will have known how true this is.

Any additional comments?

This was written in 1951 and is set in a future time (Wikipedia reckons it is set in the 1990s) so you need to read it with that in mind - there are few computers, and no hand held computers, they valves in the radio sets and people still using typewriters in a time where there are nuclear rockets and colonies on Mars and the Moon.

It is a simple story but one I have always enjoyed reading, I enjoyed listening to it also.

Dated but enjoyable

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A great story with wonderful characters and an interesting twist. Which was read beautifully

wonderful

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while time has proven some of the science inaucrate, the basic story remains an excellent example of its time. Nuts and bolts sci fi of the highest calibre.

cracking yarn !

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