mmmmm Rama. I think this was the first sci-fi book I've ever read (and I've probably still only read a dozen or so). Rama is a great mystery of a novel. Arthur C. Clarke sets up a futuristic world born out of terrible global tragedies, and uses this political set-up to explore an alien ship that approaches the Earth at a breakneck pace.

I won't spoil anything here, but suffice it to say that nothing is as expected, and - while the book is marvellous as a kind of literary meditation on cultural differences, and timeless qualities of humanity - it most definitely leaves you wanting more. Surprisingly, Clarke hadn't really envisioned a sequel when he wrote it. Unsurprisingly, three would come to pass. Each of these would be a lesser novel than the one that came before, but they comprise a definite trilogy so I'd recommend either stopping after this book, or reading the whole series. ( )

After many years I decided to reread this novel as modern sci-fi more than often lacks the lustre of the classic works. I was not disappointed. A. C. Clarke has always been a writer of ideas and in this book, we are faced with one of the most intriguing events there could be - a gigantic artifact of extraterrestrial origin entering the Solar system.

There is not much in this book in terms of character development or even plot. But, what this book is full of is the most sincere sense of awe. Clarke is great at that, awe and wonder permeate the entire book. It is rare to see those emotions translated into the text as believably as here. I have to say, for a novel that asks so many questions and gives few answers, it is surprisingly satisfying. ( )

The story is a very real and in many ways uneventful first contact. The great quality is the world of imagination the story leaves the reader with. The sense of the depth of unknown... ( )

Nice throwback to my early sci-fi obsession.

Really interesting slow moving story about an artifact from a distant world. Fascinating yet frustrating because Clarke gives the reader no more answers than the scientists can get in their brief rendezvous.

I need to know more! ( )

First, the book: I first read "Rendezvous with Rama" when it was first published while I was a teen-ager. Even at that time, I recognized it as being full of cool science, but largely void of real drama or character development. But it was on sale on Audible and I was in the mood for something like it, so I bought it. It was about as good as I remember, hence the three-star rating.
[Audiobook note: I described to someone the narration as reminding of the Vulcan character Tuvok from Star Trek: Voyager, but having less emotion. Ganim gives the weirdest rhythm to this reading. And slow! I had to run the reader at 150% just to make it sound normal. (I typically listen to stuff at about 120% speed.) Obviously, the narration wasn't so bad as to make me abandon the book. But I will definitely think twice before buying anything Ganim narrates.] ( )