Window to Other Worlds

Peter Apps first science-fiction novel, The Long Way Round, describes worlds where fears about decisions made are not so different to those that we experience on Earth and with a little compassion and understanding many of the conflicts can be resolved.

If life on other planets exists, why should it not be subject to the same concerns, worries and fears that people on Earth experience? And why shouldn’t a diplomatic dose of care and sympathy be as effective around the universe as it can be on here? In his first novel, The Long Way Round, Peter Apps paints a picture where these qualities that we should aspire to on our planet can be equally applied throughout the universe.

This is not to say that space travel doesn’t pose grave difficulties that create unforeseen challenges that need to be overcome. Even the detailed descriptions of coming to terms with a zero-gravity environment in the space station and how this affects the crew’s orientation when back on Earth indicates the enormity of the leap they have to make, giving a radically new perspective their mundane home lives.

Brian is a self-taught genius who dreams of finding humanoid life on other planets. His Heath Robinsonesque experiments in his back garden in a small village in the south of England belie the extraordinarily sophisticated technology that he is developing. He takes as his assistant Stuart, a bright but academically under-achieving 18-year-old. Together they work on developing a portal that can transport them to anywhere in the universe. Later they are joined by Stuart’s father, Richard, a mechanic. Once up and running, their space station, Endeavour, leads them to the planet Terzon, where the inhabitants are welcoming, willing to share knowledge, but are wary of emotional displays for fear that they could result in conflict. The Terzons point them in the direction of another planet, Baad’Atcha, where society is on the verge of collapse owing to the power hunger of its leaders and the fearful submission of its citizens. Stuart makes it his mission to help the people avoid the looming catastrophe.

There are clear parallels between the situation in Baad’ Atcha and that found in many countries around the world. And Stuart’s solution - empowerment of the people to shape their own destiny rather than direct intervention - is one that should be noted by leaders on Earth. However, another dilemma faces Brian and Stuart and one that is handled with equal tact, delicacy and a sense of proportion: both are gay and are attracted to each other, but are afraid to admit their feelings.

The Long Way Round addresses issues that, although they concern life forms on other planets, can be applied universally. It seems that the qualities of tolerance, empathy, acceptance, respect and willingness to help those in need are traits that we could all benefit from deploying a little more.