A solidly scientific hard science fiction novel about humanity’s first evidence that we’re not alone in the universe. In the future when humans have terraformed and made themselves at home on many of the planets and moons of the solar system, what at first is thought to be a new asteroid, given the name Rama instead of just a numeric designation due to its size and increasing proximity, turns out to be cylindrical and clearly artificial in origin. The nearest space craft is dispatched to investigate. The crew has only a few weeks before Rama approaches too close to the Sun for them to remain aboard. They find evidence of an intergalactic civilization, but the ship at first appears to be lifeless. This gives Clarke the opportunity to think through the situation in a fairly realistic way: How would a ship approach and land on a rapidly rotating cylinder? Once inside, what happens when the cylinder begins to heat up from interstellar frigidity to near-solar temperatures? How would an advanced civilization plan for and deal with intergalactic exploration? How would humans traverse a several-kilometers-long rotating cylinder with near-Earth gravity on the inside surface and zero gravity along the central axis? How would human civilization in general react to the situation? Frankly, we don’t see any of society-at-large’s reaction, just that of the ambassadors to the United Planets and that of the crew, and those reactions are calmer, more level-headed, and more rational than I’d expect would really be the case. But Clarke isn’t interested in human psychology; he’s more interested in the gee-whiz coolness of speculating about how we could approach such a situation from a technological perspective. And in that, he achieves what he set out to accomplish. ( )

Plot isn’t really a thing, but big weird object is cool and beautifully described. ( )

In the distant future something is coming towards us in space, and we're not sure what it is. I can't list any annoyances without spoiling it, so I'll just leave it as an enjoyable kind-of-airport novel that goes through the paces. I hear they are either making a movie or tv show out of it. It will be interesting to see what liberties they'll take with the story line.

I give it 3 "big object in space" books out of 5 "big object in space" books. ( )

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. ( )