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The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 43: Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus by Isaac Asimov

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 18:00 in Community Engagement
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Venue: Online
Date: Thursday, 14th July 2022
Time: 18:00-19:30

In this session of the Dialogue Society Book Group, we will explore Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus by Isaac Asimov on Thursday, 14th July 2022.

The Dialogue Society Book Group - Meeting 43: Lucky Starr and the Oceans of Venus by Isaac Asimov

Shortly after returning from the Asteroid Belt, David "Lucky" Starr learns that his Science Academy roommate Lou Evans had been sent to investigate trouble on Venus, but the Council of Science office on Venus has requested that he be recalled and investigated for corruption. As Starr and John "Bigman" Jones are shuttled to Venus, their pilots suffer an episode of paralysis, and Starr is required to keep their craft from smashing itself against the surface of the Venusian Ocean. Afterwards, the pilots have no memory of the event.

Upon reaching the Venusian city of Aphrodite, Starr and Bigman meet Dr Mel Morriss, head of the Council of Science on Venus, who explains that Venusian scientists are perfecting strains of yeast that can be processed into luxury foods for export; whereas for six months, there has been a growing series of incidents of bizarre behaviour among the human colonists, often followed by amnesia. Morriss believes they are being telepathically controlled by an unknown enemy.

"Crackling with suspense, lit by humour, sparkling with complexities of plot, and alive with interest."
Villiers Gerson, The New York Times

"A colourful and exciting tale... real thriller for fans of all ages."
Edward Groff Conklin (1904–968), American science fiction anthologist

"Combining plausible adventure, interesting alien life-forms and a sound detective story."
Anthony Boucher (1911–1968), American author, critic, and editor

About the Dialogue Society Book Group

The Dialogue Society Book Group explores the capacity of books to provide windows into different cultural and intercultural worlds. We will be choosing a series of quality novels to read and then to discuss together at relaxed, sociable gatherings at the Dialogue Society. Participants are welcome to suggest books for future sessions.

Participants will need to find a copy of the book chosen for each meeting and will need to read it prior to the meeting.

We will have a conversation about the book and our responses to it. Discussion may cover:

  • the quality of the storytelling
  • the authenticity and accuracy with which a historical/cultural situation is portrayed
  • our personal responses to it

You do not need to be an expert on literature or anything else to join in. The group should be enjoyable for anyone who enjoys a good book and likes discovering new ones.

Prospective books for future sessions (NB we are open to suggestions)

  • Bird Summons, Leila Aboulela
  • Pachinko, Min Jin Lee
  • An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
  • The Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway

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