The Last Theorem by Arthur C. Clarke, Frederik Pohl Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Last Theorem
Book Review: Interesting but disjointed
Summary: 3 Stars
This book caught my interest for a variety of reasons. First, it was written by two authors that I like for very different reasons. Second, the title refers to one of the most fascinating stories in the history of mathematics, and I was curious to see what these great authors would handle that subject.
Although the result is an interesting read, I was a little disappointed overall. The search and eventual find of the elusive proof of Fermat's last theorem using only mathematical techniques known in Fermat's days is a capturing story, but once the proof is published the story deflates. What follows has nothing to do with the proof, and could just as well have been a different book. The authors had no problem gathering new momentum for the second part of the book, but in doing so they started more storylines than they could handle. The result is lots of loose ends and unsatisfactory resolutions of subplots.
In spite of the weaknesses, there are lots of treasures in this book. The many anecdotes and mathematical trivia that can be found in the book are enriching, and keep up the entertainment value. Overall I did not regret reading this book.
Book Review: Just what you would expect
Summary: 5 Stars
The Last Theorem is typical Arthur C. Clarke - once you start reading, you will not want to put it down until you have finished. A real pity that there will be no more of his fantastic books.Book Review: Last effort falls short
Summary: 3 Stars
Clarke has been a favorite for many years. His passing was a loss to fans around the world. While the concept for his last book held out great promise it failed to deliver the depth of his previous library of work. The story line wandered and lacked the coordination readers had come to expect. While reading it seemed as if sections were missing. I assume that Pohl attempted to stay close to the story line is the few thin notes Clarke left. The infirmities of age show in this not quite finished last effort.Book Review: Not a Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
First, I enjoyed the book and will read it again in the future.
The development of the main character is exceptional. But, the interweaving of the sub-plots into the story is much less than expected from these grandmasters of science fiction. The sub-plots/story lines are stereotypical and shallow. If this book was published back in the 1940s or 1950s it might of been a classic but not now.
This book is historical in this sense it is Arthur C. Clarke's first new book published since his death.
Book Review: Not what I expected....
Summary: 2 Stars
I rather expected some fun with Fermat's theorem, which is kind of interesting, and some of the usual Clarke slightly off the wall stuff (like "City And The Stars")....
Instead a travelogue of Sri Lanka, and a whole bunch of stuff that never quite came together....
Good enough if you like Clarke, but not up to standard....
I suppose it's some kind of "must have" for Clarke fans, but I would have been happier to have spent less....
Regards....