Out of the Silent Planet

Ransom Trilogy, Book 1

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Out of the Silent Planet is the first novel of the Cosmic Trilogy, considered to be C.S. Lewis' chief contribution to the science fiction genre. The trilogy concerns Dr. Ransom, a linguist, who, like Christ, was offered a ransom for mankind. The first two novels are planetary romances with elements of medieval mythology. Each planet is seen as having a tutelary spirit; those of the other planets are both good and accessible, while that of Earth is fallen, twisted, and not known directly by most humans. The story is powerfully imagined, and the effects of lesser gravity on Martian planet and animal life is vividly rendered.

©1938, 1944, 1945 by C.S. Lewis Pte Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A delightful fantasy." (New York Herald Tribune)

"C.S. Lewis...is a master of fantasy." (Saturday Review)

Can’t wait to read the next two

Looking forward to next two in the trilogy. Enjoyed this much for that I expected.

I wanted to dislike this book but I just can’t lie

C.S. Lewis is not always my cup of tea. Sometimes the theological messages just get too distracting for me. But this book has so much going for it! First of all, it transcends imagination. Though the descriptions of the characters and the world was thorough, I had a difficult time picturing them. Secondly, the theology is not as aggressive as other works of Lewis. It’s more philosophical. I enjoyed it!

Enjoyed the read

This was an easy book to listen to. The descriptions of the fantasy world and creatures is easy enough to follow to create a mindscape as you listen.

Very well written and more whimsical

I didn’t expect a science fiction read to be so whimsical as this, but it was extremely rewarding and a break from much darker titles. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Excited to hear what happens next

I know CS Lewis for his Narnia work, but didn’t know he had a sci-fi trilogy. I enjoyed part one and moving on to part two!

Out of the Silent Planet

Interesting story and concept. Good character development and great narration. Can’t wait to read another one of his books.

Absolutely incredible

The creativity Lewis has is always mind blowing to me. This is an excellent story and an overall enjoyable listen!

My favorite Sci-fi book

The story, the writing style and the narration are all wonderful! I’ve always loved this book and getting to listen to it was enjoyable.

Pretty amazing

Didn't care for the "white speak" when the humans were trying to communicate but I know all to well that's exactly how they talk!! I could see the vanity of the human condition being exactly like this.... going world to world killing off the inhabitants and destroying it only to move onto another! To me it's a cautioned tell and it's also a proven one. I pray the human race embraces humanity before anything like this happens. Probably why we're watched so from above.... keeping tabs on the greedy humans lest they fill the universe with their greed!!

Reliving a thrill of Youth

I remember reading this story as a teen. I was so captivated by it as science fiction. Now as an adult, and with a greater understanding of allegory & with more experience with the parts of life that are beyond the visible, I am even more amazed at the captivating world C.S. Lewis creates. Then on top of this, I had the added joy of having the story read by someone who has the same accent and diction that C.S. Lewis would have had (especially to hear how some of those foreign words are to be pronounced), I really gained a better appreciation and love for this classic from my youth.