The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke, Frederik Pohl Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Last Theorem
Book Review: A Book of Firsts and Lasts
Summary: 5 Stars
Sir Arthur C. Clarke went out with a bang through the work drafted for "The Last Theorem." How wonderful to have a (formerly unprecedented) collaboration with Frederik Pohl, not only to ensure the work was completed, but the effect of these two masters' of science fiction is of a quality that will inspire and entertain while it brings in enough science and math to stimulate any curious mind.
Interwoven around the Indian family of Ranjit and Myra, echoes of "Space Odessy" novels abound with exploration into new areas of space travel (the space elevator is elaborated upon, for example). The couple's daughter mirrors the way Dave was a conduit for alien communication. Counterbalancing sports with political scenarios - yet having both working on ways to get the human race to look beyond their countries' boundaries - was presented well.
For me, presenting numerous hopeful (future and present) possibilities while teaching the importance of math, communication, and the perseverance of the human spirit is carried delightfully well through this story. I enjoyed learning about Sri Lanka, Clarke's homebase, through his eyes and words. Knowing that this is his final composition, and that it was completed by his long-time friend and colleague, makes it even more special. We are taken from Fermat's Last Theorem to the beginning of a new era.
Book Review: A Poor Showing From Two Great Writers
Summary: 3 Stars
It's hard to give a poor review to a truly great author--or authors, in this case. Especially when one of them just died. /The Last Theorem/ is about a Sri Lankan teenage math prodigy (Ranjit Subramanian) who solves Fermat's famous last theorem. At the same time, the alien Grand Galactics have been attracted to Earth by our nuclear explosions and have decided that we are a threat to the universe and need to be exterminated. Under this threat, humanity rises to the challenge, finding new ways to mange international problems, engaging in cooperative projects for the good of humanity, and Ranjit engages in ongoing negotiations with the Galactics to spare the humanity.
The book, itself, is fairly boring, with more math than necessary to move the story and expository material that gets in the way more than it helps. It is also quite preachy in its depiction of how to fix the world's problems. The depiction of Sri Lanka does show Clarke's love of his adopted country, but that just doesn't provide salvation to the book.
Book Review: A fair book could have been great!
Summary: 3 Stars
I agree with almost everything that has been said by the two main reviewers, but I'll put it more simply. A great premise: the light waves (and other advanced waves) from the 1945 bombs in Japan reach the guardians of the universe, and it is determined that Earth (which has always been watched closely) must be sterilized.
That means us. The sterilizers start toward earth years ago (60??), and arrive in our solar system at about the same time as earth discovers a way to make our planet peaceable (or nearly so).
Will the galactic cleansers back off, or eliminate us anyway?
This could have been a thriller, a tense book of the Michael Crichton or Larry Niven or Alastair Reynolds type, that kept you on the edge of your seat. But it too often plays to the comedy aspects of the other galactic races, and basically tries to be too cute.
I give it three stars for the first 90% of the book, and one star for the sappy, we are the galaxy, 13001 space odyssey ending.
Book Review: A fine end to Arthur C Clarke's brilliant science fiction career
Summary: 4 Stars
Although this book is certainly not Clarke's best - it doesn't compare with Against the Fall of Night or 2001: A Space Odyssey - nor Frederick Pohl's best collaboration - Pohl never colaborated better than with Cyril Kornbluth - it is a very enjoyable book, with two of science fiction's greats joining together for their first and last book. If you have enjoyed books by either writer, don't miss it. Even the mathematics is interesting!Book Review: A fitting tribute
Summary: 3 Stars
In "The Last Theorem" we are treated to a homily regarding transcendence of humanity. Arthur Clarke and Frederik Pohl cleverly elucidate their "last theorem" for the societal, spiritual, and scientific enlightenment of mankind. It involves the calculus of justice, the algebra of cooperation and the fundamental equation that science = future.
Ranjit is our reluctant Candide, of sorts, whose adventures and travails explore the state of the world. It is through his exploits, and those of his family and friends, that we witness the events that finds mankind on the precipice of destruction or salvation. The Grand Galactics and their surrogates are on their way from the stars to destroy the Earth.
Clarke and Pohl present little "prescience" fiction that punctuates their prior works. Rather, their most powerful technique in this compassionate and entertaining novel is the 360-degree mirror they hold up for society to evaluate itself. Is this truly the "best of all possible worlds" - or can it be better?