Downward To The Earth by Robert Silverberg (SF Masterworks) (book review)
Robert Silverberg (1935- ) wrote ‘Downward To Earth’ in 1969-70. Seeing the enormous list of books he’s written, you would think I’ve have read more of Silverberg’s books, although over my earlier years I tended to spread out over the authors and there weren’t that many available when young when I live although I did make a special effort to get ‘Dying Inside’ which I did enjoy even if I later disagreed with. Being that prolific does make it harder to pick out books to try.
In his introduction here to ‘Downward To Earth’, Silverberg admits that he didn’t think much of the story when he wrote it and only when reaction came back he revaluated how good it was. His holiday in Kenya at the time reflects human colonial elements that he used on Holman’s World now referred to by its native population name as Belzagor as it was given back to them or rather two sentient species. Edmund Gundersen used to be the governor on the planet and has returned for a holiday and meet old friends, using the conventional tourist route to get there before leaving them.
To go to the Mist Country, he needs permission from the leader of the sentient Nildoror species who wants him to bring back Cedric Cullen who is residing there. Gundersen sets some conditions that are mutually agreed. There’s also an interesting discussion about elephants being similar to the Nildoror as being parallel evolution types and the g’rakh or soul. Silverberg reflects on the lack of elephant culture which I have to confess is a bit dated compared to what we know today but you have to make allowances for the time period. Then again, back when he wrote this novel, comparative evolutionary types was quite a new discussion point although there are ready examples among the marsupials.
Throughout the actual trip there is discussion about rebirth and the two examples Gundersen discovers where humans attempted it go wrong. As there’s a major plot twist here, it means spoiler.
I can see why Silverberg didn’t see this as his favourite book. There is a feeling of state of consciousness as he wrote what is essentially a safari with an alien twist and the ending could have gone a couple ways. You do end wondering what happened next and I think should have been explored more. Nevertheless, ‘Downward To Earth’ is an interesting examination of an alien culture not dependent on technology which works just as well now as when written. Modern generations will be less familiar with colonialism but certainly recognise aspects of giving territory back to the native species who reassert their own rule which should make you think.
GF Willmetts
February 2022
(pub: Gollancz, 2015. 254 page small enlarged paperback. Price: £ 9.99 (UK). ISBN: 978-1-473-21192-6)
check out websites: www.orionbooks.co.uk and www.gollancz.co.uk
