Ship of Fools by
Richard Paul Russo
This science fiction book that borders on the horror genre set forth by the classic movie Alien. Ship of Fools maintains a similar dark and haunting atmosphere about it.
The story is told from the point of view of Bartolomeu, captain's advisor aboard the Argonos. This generation ship was made in the distant past that has been lost to its occupants. It now wanders from solar system to solar system without a goal or purpose. After fourteen years without planet fall, the ship finds the grizzly remains of a colony:
There were hundreds of bones scattered about the floor, strips of decayed flesh, pools and smears of viscous fluid. Just as it was impossible to avoid brushing against the hanging skeletons, so was it impossible to avoid stepping on bone or in thick, sticky liquid as I moved through the room.
From there, we move though an attempted
mutiny, imprisonment, and exploration of an alien ship - the exploration reminds me most of
Alien. The book also touches upon subjects of the relationship between
religion and belief though leaves a person wanting a bit more fleshing out.
As with Alien, it would be unfair to tell of the ending.
Personally, I liked the book and found that it served its purpose of entertaining me. Many critique the book stating that it leaves too much undeveloped (relationships, personal background and how that influences the character in the present, etc...). While this may be true it would take a book that is already nearing 400 pages and make it in a monstrosity. Part of the appeal of this story is that it is told from only one point of view without any privileged information. Some see this as frustrating, it adds to the novel reminding you that the narrator is not in control.
ISBN 0441008933