Arthur C Clarke was, amongst other things, a science-fiction writer, an inventor, a tv show host and an underwater explorer. He was born in Somerset in 1917 and moved to Sri Lanka in 1957. He remained there until his death in 2008. Over the course of his life, he won multiple awards - including several Nebulas and Hugos - was awarded a CBE, a Knighthood and Sri Lankas' highest civilian honour. He was also nominated for an Oscar, for the Screenplay of 2001 : A Space Odyssey. Amongst other things, he has an asteroid and a mountain of Charon, Pluto's moon, named after him. "Imperial Earth" was first published in 1975.

Duncan Makenzie lives on Titan, one of Saturn's moons. His home, although colonised by Earth, is an independent republic and plays an important role in fuelling space travel. (As the book opens, the engines most commonly used require a large amount of hydrogen - which occurs in huge amounts on Titan). The colony was essentially by founded by Duncan's grandfather, Malcolm, in the 23rd century and has been essentially ruled by the family since then. Duncan himself is expected to take over once his father, Colin, steps down.

With the 500th anniversay of American Independence approaching, there's a huge celebration being prepared on Earth. Various important dignitaries are being invited and, naturally, one of Titan's ruling clan will be in attendance. Duncan has been seleected as the logical choice, although he'll be staying on Earth for about a year - well beyond the festivities. He'll be taking the opportunity to build up his contacts on Earth, and he'll also be coming hime with the next generation of the Makenzie clan. Duncan is a clone of his father, Colin - who, in turn, was a clone of Malcolm. (Malcolm was unable to procreate in the time-honoured fashion - the consequence of a little genetic damage caused by his early years of space travel). As cloning facilities aren't available on Titan, the trip to Earth is necessary to get the job done. He's also hoping to find out something about a new class of spaceship - one that doesn't require the huge amounts of hydrogen that previous spaceships have needed. This is obviously of some concern to the Makenzie clan - a drop in the demand for hydrogen would have a huge impact on Titan's economy.

Outside of his family - which, to Duncan, includes Ellen, Malcolm's ex-wife - there are two people who have had a great impact on Duncan. One was Karl Helmer, Duncan's best friend from childhood. Karl was something of a genius, handsome, charming and hugely popular on Titan. (To me, however, it looked like he could be a little cruel to Duncan). The other person was Calindy Ellerman, a university student who'd visited Titan when Duncan was sixteen. Duncan had been besotted with her - as had Karl who, closer to Calindy's age, had won her over. However, shortly after Kalindy returned to Earth, Karl suffered some sort of breakdown and was never quite the same afterwards. Now, with Duncan on his way to Earth, he knows it's nearly inevitable he'll seek Calindy out.

I first read this book many years ago, having borrowed it from the library as a teenager. (It's one of the few library books that I can clearly remember having borrowed at that time). Although I couldn't remember a great deal of what happened, two things had always stuck with me - the book's opening scene and the name Calindy. More out of sentimentality that anything else, I suppose, the notion to re-visit it took hold in recent years. Now, as an adult, I found it an easily read book - and I suspect I may not have picked up on a few of its subtleties as a teen. The book could have been longer, though. Duncan's time on Earth could have been expanded upon, some of the characters and events could have done with a little more detail. All in all, though, an enjoyable read.

To the finder:

Welcome to BookCrossing!

Please make a journal entry to let me know that this book has been caught so I know that it has found a good home with you. I hope you like the book, but I'd be grateful if you'd let me know what you thought of it by making another journal entry when you've finished it.

Then, whenever you are ready to send it on its way, make a journal entry if you are giving or sending this book to a known person, or a release note if you are leaving it “in the wild” again for anyone to catch. Then watch its journey.

If you've decided to sign up, you’ll be alerted by e-mail each time someone makes another journal entry. And it’s confidential (you are known only by your screen name and no one is ever given your e-mail address), free, and spamless !

Some faqs : http://www.bookcrossing.com/faqs

Thanks for stopping by, have fun!

Starbucks, comfy seat in the corner.