Downward to the Earth

De: Robert Silverberg

Narrado por: Bronson Pinchot

A tale of transcendence, Downward to the Earth is a remarkable novel from one of the most imaginative minds in science fiction.

Edmund Gunderson—former Terran governor of the colony world of Belzagor—returns eight years after the planet has gained independence, drawn back for reasons he can’t quite explain. Things have changed significantly since he left, and he plays his part well—slightly pompous former government official—for the tourists he encounters on the way down.

But this is more than a simple sight-seeing visit. As Gunderson comes face-to-face with the consequences of his former attitudes and actions, he finds himself on a journey—both physical and spiritual—to the legendary mountain of rebirth.

©1969, 1970 Agberg, Ltd. (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Gorgeous story and writing style

Silverberg is a gorgeous stylist, creating a story with sophisticated social conscience and baroque characterization and themes. Drawing on Kipling and Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Downward to the Earth weaves a quest story on a lush planet with soulful natives and multifaceted creatures. Considered one of the best science fiction novels, this reader was absorbed and saturated.