When I picked up 'A Princess of Mars' again after many years, it was like meeting an old friend with a few surprises up their sleeve. This classic sci-fi romp is still wildly entertaining, with more grit and heart than I remembered.
What hooked me again
Revisiting John Carter's adventures on Mars reminded me just how hypnotic Burroughs' world-building can be. Carter's leap from a dusty cave in Arizona to the red planet is immediate and thrilling, with no time wasted. I love how Burroughs throws you straight into the deep end of Martian culture and conflict. It's as if I could feel the Martian air myself, even if it was a little musty the second time around.
Tars Tarkas, the towering green Martian warrior, stood out more to me this time. His complex relationship with Carter adds depth beyond the usual hero's journey. I noticed nuances in their friendship that I missed before, like an unspoken respect that grows with every skirmish against the Tharks. It's the kind of detail that makes this pulpy adventure resonate differently when you're older.
Dejah Thoris still captured my imagination with her fierce spirit. The scenes where Carter saves her — or she saves him — showcase a dynamic that's both classic and progressive for its time. Her intelligence and bravery shine through, making her more than just a damsel. It's a reminder that even pulp fiction from the early 1900s has layers worth exploring.
Where it drags
Not everything in 'A Princess of Mars' flies at breakneck speed. The middle section, with its intricate descriptions of Martian politics, tested my patience. Burroughs loves his detail, but sometimes I found myself skimming through the endless dialogues and political maneuvering. It's almost as if he couldn't decide whether to write an action novel or a treatise on Martian society.
The transitions between action-packed sequences and slower, talk-heavy scenes can be jarring. After a thrilling escape or battle, Carter often pauses for internal monologues that feel like they drag the narrative a bit. I get the need to develop character, but some of those introspections could be trimmed without losing much.
Still, these slower moments provide a breather from the constant adventure, giving you time to absorb the Martian landscape. But if you're expecting non-stop action, be prepared for a few slow patches. Just know that these aren't deal-breakers; the story always picks up speed before long.
Moments of magic
One of my favorite magical moments is when Carter first discovers his newfound strength and agility on Mars. What an intriguing way to illustrate his adaptation to the alien world! The imagery of him leaping vast distances, awe-struck by his own abilities, is both vivid and exhilarating. It's a neat twist that feels like an empowering dream.
Burroughs' Mars, or Barsoom, thrives with imaginative critters and daunting landscapes. I was particularly captivated by the description of the Tharkian city — all those towers and terraces under twin moons paint quite a picture. Burroughs’ knack for visual storytelling is like a vintage sci-fi postcard that never fades.
The emotional core hits when Carter grapples with the reality of never returning to Earth. It's a poignant moment that adds depth to his character. His longing for home and the bittersweet loneliness are conveyed powerfully in those quiet reflections. It’s moments like this that elevate the book from pure pulp to something more meaningful.
Is it worth $3?
For less than a cup of fancy coffee, diving into 'A Princess of Mars' is absolutely worth it. The adventure alone justifies the price, especially if you're a fan of classic science fiction or curious about the origins of the genre. It’s a piece of history, and it's entertaining to boot.
Sure, it’s got some old-school attitudes and pacing, but that's part of the charm. The story feels like a time capsule from an era where imagination knew no bounds and heroes leaped across pages with absurd ease. If you appreciate pulp fiction and can handle a few anachronisms, this one's a bargain.
Plus, owning the ebook means you can revisit Barsoom whenever the mood strikes. Re-reading it later in life brought different insights and a newfound appreciation for Burroughs’ storytelling. It's not just nostalgia; it's about seeing familiar worlds with wiser eyes.
Characters that linger
John Carter is the quintessential pulp hero, full of bravery and a dash of arrogance. But it's his heart and determination that keep you rooting for him, despite some dated attitudes. He's a man out of his element, yet thrives on Mars thanks to his resilience and quick wit. This time around, I noticed more of his flaws, which made him more relatable.
Dejah Thoris is more than just a love interest. She's a key player, defying the norms of her world with intelligence and courage. Her chemistry with Carter crackles with tension, making their interactions a highlight for me. She's the kind of character that feels ahead of her time, a beacon of strength wrapped in a damsel's guise.
And then there's Tars Tarkas, the stoic green warrior with a heart. His journey from an adversary to a friend is poignant, offering a surprising depth to what could've been a one-note character. Burroughs does justice to his alien characters, giving them the emotional weight to match their physical presence, which is why they stick with you long after the book ends.
“"I still live," he said, "and I will always live."”
This struck me as Carter's defiant spirit summed up in one powerful line.
“"I felt an unaccountable hunger for glory."”
Perfectly captures Carter's adventurous nature and drive.
- +John Carter's superhuman leaps on Mars
- +the vibrant Martian landscapes
- +complex friendships with alien characters
- +Dejah Thoris' fierce and intelligent nature
- −some slow political sections
- −occasional old-fashioned attitudes
Should you read it?
- • fans of classic science fiction
- • readers who love pulpy adventures
- • anyone intrigued by vintage alien worlds
- • those who dislike older writing styles
- • readers wanting fully modern themes
Edgar Rice Burroughs, born in 1875, wasn't always a writer. Before penning tales of Martian adventures, he tried various jobs from ranching to selling pencil sharpeners. It wasn't until he was nearly 35 that he found his groove with writing, and thank goodness for that! His vivid imagination brought us iconic worlds and characters, like the famous jungle hero, Tarzan.
Burroughs' knack for creating elaborate universes made him a pioneering force in science fiction and fantasy writing. His 'Barsoom' series, starting with 'A Princess of Mars,' captivated readers by mixing action with complex societies on alien planets. Though some aspects of his work show their age, his influence on the genre resonates strongly even today.
- →Burroughs wrote 'A Princess of Mars' while working as a pencil sharpener salesman.
- →The novel helped popularize the idea of Mars as a habitable world in fiction.
- →Burroughs' Barsoom series influenced many future sci-fi creators, including Ray Bradbury.
