Review : Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle

Title : Planet of The Apes
Author: Pierre Boulle

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars


About the book:

First published more than thirty-five years ago, Pierre Boulle’s chilling novel launched one of the greatest science fiction sagas in motion picture history, from the classic 1968 movie starring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowell, through four sequels and two television series . . . and now the newest film adaptation directed by Tim Burton.

In the not-too-distant future, three astronauts land on what appears to be a planet just like Earth, with lush forests, a temperate climate, and breathable air. But while it appears to be a paradise, nothing is what it seems.

They soon discover the terrifying truth: On this world humans are savage beasts, and apes rule as their civilized masters. In an ironic novel of nonstop action and breathless intrigue, one man struggles to unlock the secret of a terrifying civilization, all the while wondering: Will he become the savior of the human race, or the final witness to its damnation? In a shocking climax that rivals that of the original movie, Boulle delivers the answer in a masterpiece of adventure, satire, and suspense.

My Review:

This book is a total work of fiction but very unbelievable! After reading a few pages, I thought it would be better for me if I keep my logical and practical brain apart from me and simply enjoy the book.

The story takes place in far future where a young couple is spending their holiday traveling in space in a ship. Well, a different kind of ship which is sort of a sphere with all the latest technologies installed in it. In the space they see an object floating. When they catch hold of it, they find a bottle! Inside it is a message !Actually this message is a set of loose papers, like a diary, written by someone named ‘Ulysse Merou ‘ who is a journalist and is narrating his own story. Very Interesting!! 
So, the main story starts from here.. as Ulysse Merou and his 2 other companions land on a different planet similar to earth with all the trees, climate, water and breathable air!  But, apart from the familiarities, this planet is very different than ours. Here, they find humans are actually not the same like the ones on Earth except for their appearances..! They are like savage beasts! The humans here don’t have a rational mind, any expressions on face and don’t wear clothes! But, this is not it! The major shock to them comes when they find that the APES are the ruling masters of this wonderful planet..! Apes are the ones who are civilized here. Actually, they are exactly the same as humans are here on Earth! ‘Ulysse Merou’ is the man who tries to solve the mystery and the ironic civilization of this planet. 
I cannot say anything more about this book as it will lead straight to spoilers!!

Ok. This book is very different, funny in a way. It does get a little boring at times and not that great, but, overall I liked it. There are some surprising twists in the book which I liked.
There are few messages which are being passed through the novel. also The major one is ‘Be Kind to animals or rather any living being!’ you never know when the tables are turned!!

There is a movie based on this movie too, which I haven’t seen! So, I really cannot compare both :) This is a small book which is pretty quick to read and is good change when you are tired of reading the usual paranormal!