Book Review: The Sands of Mars by Arthur C. Clarke (1951)

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Arthur C. Clarke’s The Sands of Mars was written in 1951 and almost every aspect of the novel betrays the fact that over seven decades have passed since its publication. What we now know about the fourth planet contradicts sharply with what’s presented here. The pacing and style of the story are much like other science fiction writings of the period. And, indeed, the very attitude of the book feels very old-fashioned. But any potential reader shouldn’t be scared off by the book’s age. Clarke is one of “Big Three” of science fiction and his writing is strong enough here that something that would be regarded as a historical curiosity from another author still has a solid enough foundation to interest today’s reader.

We’re told the story from the point of view of science fiction writer Martin Gibson who has been sent to a colony on Mars in order to better explain what life is like on this new world through written dispatches back to the people on Earth. The Mars colonies are still in their infancy; opinion on Earth is divided between those still excited about mankind’s spread across the solar system and others who feel that Mars is simply an unnecessary drain on Earth’s money and resources.