The Lotus Caves

by John Christopher

Book Overview

Rebelling against the monotonous life of the moon colony, two boys go beyond its boundaries and discover a series of caves ruled by a super-intelligent plant-like being. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1481418378
• ISBN13: 9781481418379
• Release Date: November 2014
• Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 9 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 8

Customer Reviews

What is Freedom?

This story of two boys having an adventure on the lunar surface is a first-rate piece of science fiction. Like L'Engle's "Wrinkle in Time," though ostensibly for younger readers, Mr. Christopher's work is much deeper than it otherwise appears and can be profitably read by both children and adults. It is the rare and talented author who can pull that off successfully. The touchstone of fine science fiction, in any genre, is whether the story ages gracefully--hard to define, but you know it when you see it. Originality is also essential, nothing says cheesy quite like the umpteenth Star Wars ripoff; I am your father! Save understandably mistaken speculation on the future of Pan-Am and global telecommunications, Kubrick's 2001 could be released today over 30 years later and still seem fresh--both because it was original and because it was absolutely faithful to the world it purported to represent. So too is Lotus Caves, in fact, I'm hard-pressed to think of an analogous story--though perhaps there is a flavor of Forbidden Planet in the idea of unlimited available resources. Lotus Caves presents the genie who can grant your wishes--whether the genie is an alien or advanced technology, the question remains as to whether we require adversity and hardship in order to thrive and experience true happiness. The story presents overlapping themes in this direction and the strength of the writing is evident in the degree to which the various characters' experiences reinforce each other. Science-fiction is an excellent storytelling medium because the author can set up a world ready made for his plot. Here we have two young boys growing up in a lunar settlement--bored and looking for new experiences and adventure while at the same time pushing the limits of their freedom and the rules of the society in which they live. What they find is going to teach them something about having what you wish for. What is even better is that you can give this great little book to a young reader and not worry about the profane dialogue and R-rated material that seems to infest more recent works.

An engaging story that asks a challenging question

I've lost count of how many times I've read this book. Before I went off to college, I used to read this to my little brother and sister, and everyone I've shared it with loved it. It really leaves you a lot to think about, long after you've turned the last page. The book explores a theme that is common in many of JC's books: what is freedom, and where does one draw the line between freedom and pleasant captivity? The issue is more complicated than it initially appears, and the reader is forced to ask where (s)he draws the line in her/his own life -- and, more importantly -- is this line correct in principle? It is this issue, as well as the very engaging storyline, that has kept me thinking about the book and reading it over again. I highly recommend this book to all people of all age groups. Also, if you like this book, you will most likely enjoy "The Guardians" by John Christopher, which further explores this issue of freedom.

A great story

I remembered reading this book when I was very young (or more likely, my dad reading it to me). Anyway, I'm 21 now, and I've just re-read it, and it really is a great book. It should definitely be back in print...It's quite a powerful story, despite seeming quite low-key, and, like most great books, leaves you with a lot to think about afterwards. Despite the main characters being children, I wouldn't say this was mainly a "children's book" - I think it is written in a way that can appeal to people of all ages. It also seems quite fresh and hardly dated, despite being written 30 years ago. I really enjoyed it, and had trouble putting it down.

Better than any other of John Christopher's books!!!

I have read many books by John Christopher, but this one was by far the best. I love futuristic books, and The Lotus Cave takes place in a very believable future. I entirely recomend it for everyone and suggest it should come back in print.

Great book!

It has been 25 years since I read this book, but it still reverberates in my head when I think about it. The most stunning thing about the story is the world beneath the lunar surface, the world of the PLANT...and the fact that even THINKING about escape becomes more and more difficult...a great read.