Science Fiction is one of the most exciting and imaginative genres, and many writers have made absolute masterpieces in the Sci-fi corner. Such books like Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are examples of sci-fi classics. But none of them are as inventive as Satyajit Ray’s book, The Diary of a Space Traveller.
This book was written in the 1960s which meant that it was 61 years old. A very old book, by a very old author but talks about very new concepts that even modern day scientists and authors could not think of! The fact that the author wrote this during a period where such inventions from the book like cross bred fruits and air conditioning pills were all unrealistic and impossible proves that, Satyajit Ray was inventive and futuristic and was way ahead of his time. Satyajit Ray was an Oscar winning film-maker but also a great writer.
The book is written as the diary of a fictional character called Trilokeshwar Shonku, the genius scientist who has invented many marvellous stuff. He was going to Mars in his rocket with only his servant, robot and cat and has since then not returned back to Earth. Nobody knows what has happened to the professor, but it so happens that the professor’s diary was found in another mysterious event and contains all his exciting adventures and inventions he made. This is not the only Shonku written. The Unicorn Expedition also seems interesting and I would really like to read it.
This is my take on how Prof. Shonku looks...
Here's a small excerpt from the book!
We can see nothing but Mars, when we look out of the window. The hazy lines on it are getting clearer. We should land there in about twenty- four hours. Now when I think of Avinash Babu's jibes, I feel like laughing.
I have put to on one side all that we shall have to take with us. My camera, binoculars, weapons, first-aid box- each of these things have to be carried. There is no doubt in my mind that there is life on Mars, though I have no idea whether life is large or small, peaceful or violent. Surely whatever creatures there are won't look anything like man. If their appearance is weird, that may well scare us at first. But what must be remembered is that just as we have never seen any of them before, they haven't seen any of us.
Most of Shonku’s inventions are based on real life problems. Ever wanted the right temperature with you wherever you went? Or become invisible? Maybe even speak to the dead? Professor Shonku is your man! Many real life scientists have not even tried to make what Shonku did. The professor has made the impossible possible!
I really enjoyed reading this book and it was my first Indian Sci-fi book. I am excited to read the other Shonku books and other reads by Indian authors!
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