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Downward to the Earth cover art

Downward to the Earth

By: Robert Silverberg
Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot
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Publisher's Summary

A lone man must make a journey across a once-colonized alien planet abandoned by mankind when it was discovered that the species there were actually sentient.

Gundersen returns to Holman’s World seeking atonement for his harsh years as colonial governor. But now this lush, exotic planet of mystery is called by its ancient name of Belzagor, and it belongs once again to its native alien races, the nildoror and the sulidoror. Drawn by its spell, Gundersen begins a harrowing pilgrimage to its mist-shrouded north to witness a strange ritual rebirth that will alter him forever.

This is one of Silverberg’s most intense novels and draws heavily on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. It puts listeners at the heart of the experience and forces them to ask what they would do in the same circumstances.

©1969 Robert Silverberg (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic Reviews

“Blends mysticism, world-building, and literary references in an inventive mix…This is perhaps SF’s finest tribute to Joseph Conrad, both in its keen moral sense and its portrayal of a vividly realized alien forest.” ( Time Out)

What listeners say about Downward to the Earth

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  • Lee
  • 26-04-2022

Beautifully crafted symbolism

An excellent book that merges colonialism with spirituality and an off-world adventure all in one. Thought provoking with common themes throughout mans history, it’s definitely worth a listen.

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A deep rich world of superb Sci-Fi

Robert Silverberg at his very best enveloping you in a fantastically alien world with so much depth, character and colour that I did not want to leave at the end of the final chapter. The classic hero redemption story but told with such an alien twist you may not see it coming until the very end.

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