The Man Who Fell to Earth

by Walter Tevis

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of The Queen's Gambit, the landmark science fiction novel that inspired the classic 1976 film starring David Bowie and is the basis for the Showtime series A man wanders... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553142747
• ISBN13: 9780553142747
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Love, love, LOVE this book!

So glad I bought this book! Thomas Jerome Newton is one of the most complex characters I've ever read! I'll definitely be taking this astonishing book off the shelf to enjoy again and again!

How it used to be...

With the endless barrages of big-budgeted, simple-minded, ray gun-blasting movies and absurdly complex, geek-aimed fantasy trilogies and tetralogies that have ruled the genre during the past decade, it is difficult to believe that science fiction stories were once compelling, introspective works that employed strange and surreal methods to carry great sociopolitical and philosophical weight. The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis, first published in 1963, is a paradigmatic example of that fine, long-gone variety of space age tale. Mr. Tevis' protagonist, a tall, slender, frail humanoid that calls itself "Thomas Jerome Newton," is sent to Earth from Anthea, a planet where the only knowledge of our world is from the television broadcasts that reach it. Between the glossy commercials and the startling news reports, the Antheans see Earth as a green, watery utopia in some ways and a nuclear powder keg in others. After falling from the Kentucky sky in a one-man spacecraft, Newton embarks on a shady and ambiguous mission. The reserved and methodical stranger's true intent is way too surprising and well developed for any measly reviewer to rightfully give it away. Without letting slip too many precious details, I will tell you that the flimsy extraterrestrial discovers the darker aspects of human society, the feelings of futility, the addictions and vices, the ignorance and distrust and other stigmas not shown on TV. From Newton's fragile eyes, Mr. Tevis does nothing less than paint a striking portrait of the frustrations of being an Earthling.

read the book before you see the movie

i, like some other people who have written reviews for this novel, had seen the movie many times before ever picking up a copy of the book. it is one of my favourite movies, partly due to the fact that my idol, david bowie, is the star of the film.now, that i have read the book, however, i see the movie in a different light. first of all, i now find the movie somewhat more dissapointing. it doesn't stay true to tevis's wonderful novel. hopefully, whoever wrote the screenplay has either improved his skills or has found another line of work.now, to the book...if ever you have felt lonely or out of place in your surroundings, which everyone in the world has, then you must read this book. it is a story of thomas jerome newton, an alien from the planet anthea, and his mission to build a space ferry so that he can transport the few remaining 'people' of his race to earth, for their planet is suffering from something like post-apocalyptic decay. In addition, newton plans to implement his race's knowledge of government workings into the governments of earth in order to save earthlings and their wonderful, water-abundant planet from certain destruction.however, the government (cia, fbi) interfere with newtons plans, for they suspect that he is not of this planet, and arrest him, poke and prod him, experiment on him, then finally set him free but with nothing to return to...he is trapped on planet earth alone, with no real companions.if you've seen the movie already, you know that it is rather difficult to explain. it indeed has many holes in the script, but the book indeed fills in these gaps.

If I were on a desert island...

Okay, this isn't the ONLY book I'd take, but definitely in the top 10. I read it long ago, initially because I was intrigued by the title. Upon completing it, I was speechless. There's so much substance in this book, and the message it presents couldn't be any more clear. The title is so appropriate, almost a joke on the author's part.It should truly be considered a science fiction classic, so it's hard for me to understand just why it's been out of print for so long... and even when it's back in print, why an overpriced trade edition? It's a shame when the shelves are cluttered with layer upon layer of alternate-history/nanotech/ cyberpunk/shoot-em-up crud, but books like this are dismissed. It's no wonder that the field is so often dismissed with a scoff. Read this book and see that science fiction can have a worthwhile message.

Tevis presents an interesting view of the world

If it's science fiction you want then this definitely isn't for you. It's more of a spiritual journey where anyone who has ever been a stranger in a new land can relate to the trials of an individual who struggles to fit in. It shows how cruel we can be when we don't understand (or don't want to understand) how insignificant we really are. Although T.C. Newton succumbs to the pressures from both within and without, the accomplishment is in the journey itself. Very moving and extremely well written. For lack of a better word, and at risk of being cliche, a very "dark" and haunting display of imagery.

One of the best books I've read

Being a David Bowie fan, I read this book because I knew Bowie was in the film. But I soon found it was not just a book a movie was based on, it was one I'd recommend to anyone. Tevis's strong descriptions vividly touch the emotions of the reader and will captivate throughout. Anyone who has ever felt alienated will sympathize with the conflict the main character faces, both externally and internally. The torment of living in two cultures, an atmosphere which is barely tolerable, and in moral conflict gives Newton (the main character) enough troubles to keep you wondering what he will do to cope. This is one you'll hate to put down