Sunday, July 01, 2012

Rashmi bookmarks “A Princess of Mars”


A Princess of Mars is the first book in the series “John Carter of Mars” by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Created in the genre of science fiction, it is the story of John Carter of Virginia who gets transported to planet Mars (or ‘Barsoom’) and the adventures he encounters there. The story presents a social drama where we are introduced to new people, fascinating creatures and astounding customs!

I had watched the movie prior to reading the book, and liked it so much that I decided to check out the book. Compared to the movie (this was bound to happen!) whereas the movie is more fantasy/action (the opening scene sets the tone of the movie as a story of warring factions in Mars), the book is more fantasy/sci-fi; it reads like a journal, recording the experiences of John Carter and telling us about the life and ways of Barsoomians… war is only one part of it.

I loved the style of writing. It was such an easy read. On one hand it is the kind of writing that employs simple words to evoke grand pictures. (I had the same reaction to Burroughs’ “Tarzan”: simultaneously effortless and majestic). On the other hand, it is the kind of writing that takes you on a long and luxurious journey! At a slow pace we live, walk in and experience a whole new world along with John Carter.

The world of Barsoom completely enamoured me. Depleting natural resources and the resultant wars have taken their toll on this beautiful landscape, and yet, there is so much life, so much living. There are villains and there are heroes; yes, there are acts of petty betrayal, but there are also grand moments when a true friend selflessly arises.

My favourite character was the kind-hearted, yet strong Sola - although brought up in a tribe predominantly closed-minded of thought and savage of action, she dares to break out of the mould and speak up against injustice.

I also liked how certain established concepts are questioned. ‘Fear’ is but relative to your previous experiences; ‘heroism’ is but relative to your thoughts at the moment of action.

I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a nice, slow read, much akin to a long and lovely walk through a wondrous new world! A world with a fascinating geography, extraordinary creatures, different languages, food and customs, and different interactions: from the unemotional routine of the Tharks to the touching stories of John Carter’s relation with Woola his pet calot, Dejah Thoris the woman he loves and Kantos Kan his friend and ally.

This book is only the first part of a long series, so the ending is an open one. Although it does not seem to be the intent of the writer to provide neat, rounded off answers to all the questions and/or improbabilities in the adventure, based on just this book, I wonder if the “red Martians” are just a materialization of the “red warriors” from whom he was running in the beginning, if the “desert planet” is just a manifestation of the Arizona desert, and if, when all is said and done, Dejah Thoris is really just a déjà vu?!

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