SF Masterworks Group discussion

I think you are a bit hard on this book. I have enjoyed all of Hal Clement's works that I have read, including this one. I think he puts together a very credible world ... and why not caterpillars? Are humanoids with antennae more science fictiony? I think it has stood the test of time as science fiction quite well. As to whether Mesklin alludes to mescaline, would this have been on the radar in 1953? Seems more likely to be a coincidence.

Andrew wrote: "Hi Charlotte. Thanks for having taken the time to read my review. No complaints as to having caterpillar-like aliens, and yes, Clement's world-building is interesting, but sadly - for me at least -..."

I have not read them all, and it is a while since I read any of them & thus won't comment in detail, but I have read and enjoyed at least Close to Critical, Noise, Needle and its sequel Through the Eye of a Needle. I would say they are all quite different in character. so you could like one & not another.