Title: Planet of the Apes
Author: Pierre Boulle
First published January 1, 1963
276 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345447982 (ISBN10: 0345447980)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
“Through this manuscript, I hope to warn humanity of the impending doom that looms over us,” writes Pierre Boulle as he takes us on a journey to the Planet of the Apes. A world where apes reign supreme and humans are reduced to mere animals, displayed in cages and used for scientific experiments.
In this topsy-turvy civilization, the journalist and the scientist who arrive on the planet find themselves stripped of their humanity and subjected to the will of their primate overlords. Only the journalist, armed with his unwavering spirit and intellect, fights to retain his humanity and save himself.
Pierre Boulle’s masterful storytelling, laced with wit and irony, takes us on a suspenseful and thought-provoking ride through man’s eternal conflicts. The Planet of the Apes is a harrowing and meaningful tale that will leave you mesmerized.
About the Author
Meet Pierre Boulle – a French novelist whose works have been adapted into award-winning films. His most notable works include The Bridge over the River Kwai (1952) and Planet of the Apes (1963).
Before becoming a renowned author, Boulle served as an engineer and secret agent with the Free French in Singapore. Unfortunately, he was captured and forced into two years of hard labor.
These experiences inspired his novel, The Bridge over the River Kwai, which became an international bestseller. The film adaptation directed by David Lean won multiple Oscars, and Boulle was recognized as the screenplay writer since the original authors had been blacklisted.
Boulle’s science-fiction novel, Planet of the Apes, tells the story of intelligent apes who gain control over humans. The book was adapted into five films, all of which won awards and were accompanied by magazine versions and popular themed toys.
Editoral Review
Book Review: Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle
Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle is a science fiction novel that was first published in 1963. The author, Pierre Boulle, was a French writer and he is best known for his novels which explore the relationships between humans and animals.
The genre of science fiction was a popular one in the 1960s and this novel was one of the most influential works of the time.
The story takes place in a distant future where humans have lost their dominance and apes have taken over the world. The novel follows the journey of Ulysse Merou, a journalist who is on a space mission to explore a distant planet.
Merou and his team land on a planet that is inhabited by intelligent apes who have their own society, laws, and culture. Merou is captured and subjected to experiments by the apes, but he eventually manages to escape and discover the shocking truth about the planet.
The plot of the novel is engaging and thought-provoking. The main characters, Merou, and the apes, are well-developed and the conflicts between them are intense and emotional.
The setting is also well-crafted, with vivid descriptions of the planet and its inhabitants. Boulle’s writing style is clear and concise, and he manages to convey complex ideas and themes in a simple and accessible manner.
The themes of the novel are relevant to contemporary issues. The novel explores the topics of evolution, intelligence, and the relationship between humans and animals.
Boulle also touches on the themes of power, prejudice, and discrimination. The novel can be seen as a commentary on the human condition and the dangers of unchecked power.
One of the strengths of the novel is its ability to create a vivid and believable world. Boulle manages to create a society of apes that is both believable and compelling.
The novel also has a strong message about the importance of understanding and respecting other cultures and species.
However, the novel does have some flaws. The pacing of the novel is slow in some parts, and the ending may seem abrupt and unsatisfying to some readers.
Additionally, some readers may find the novel’s portrayal of women and people of color to be outdated and offensive.
Overall, Planet of the Apes is a well-crafted and thought-provoking novel that is still relevant to contemporary issues. The novel’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses, and it is a must-read for fans of science fiction and fans of Pierre Boulle’s work.
The novel receives a score of 8 out of 10.
