The Face of the Waters - by Robert Silverberg (Paperback)

About the Book

"Deep in the future, after a human offense against the natives of Hydros, the human population of the island of Sorve are ordered to leave. Forbidden on all other islands, in a flotilla of ships they seek the semi-mythical island of the Face of the Waters. During their journey they are forced to learn more about themselves, leading to questions about both religion and the purpose of humanity, all while facing danger from outside and within"--

Book Synopsis

"This is hard sci-fi done right." -Publishers Weekly (starred review). "One of the enduring classics of science fiction." --George R.R. Martin

Deep in the future, natives of the planet Hydros, an ocean planet whose inhabitants live on artificial floating islands, force the entire human population of the island of Sorve into exile, leaving the outcasts to ponder their fate, their past, and the true purpose of humanity.

After a human offense against the natives of Hydros, the human population of the island of Sorve are ordered to leave. Forbidden on all other islands, in a flotilla of ships they seek the semi-mythical island of the Face of the Waters. During their journey they are forced to learn more about themselves, leading to questions about both religion and the purpose of Man. At the end of the novel Robert Silverberg addresses what it means to be human, and explores what unites and divides humanity.

This new edition of THE FACE OF THE WATERS, published with the author's full support, brings Silverberg's brilliant novel back into the must-read science-fiction canon, after decades of being out of print.

Review Quotes

"Demonstrates why [Robert Silverberg] earned the title of SFWA Grand Master in this immersive epic. . . . This is hard sci-fi done right." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"When Silverberg is at the top of his form, no one is better . . . . Full of memorable characters and images that will long linger in your memory, this is one of the enduring classics of science fiction." --George R.R. Martin

"Highly recommended for personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections after decades of being out of print, this classic Silverberg novel is now once again available to a whole new generation of dedicated science fiction buffs -- and is a 'must' for the legions of Robert Silverberg fans." --Midwest Book Review, Library Bookwatch

"In the field of science fiction, Silverberg occupies a place in the highest echelon. His work is distinguished by elegance of style, intellectual precision, and far-reaching imagination." --Jack Vance

"Highly recommended . . . Silverberg excels at creating worlds and this gift is in full display here." --She Treads Softly

"Nothing short of stunning." --Fantasy Book Review

"A riveting tale of an epic voyage of survival in a hostile environment." --Fantastic Fiction

"Offers us an odyssey on a faraway water planet with creatures as fantastical as any that Homer ever conceptualized." --San Diego Jewish World

Past Praise for ROBERT SILVERBERG

"Robert Silverberg is our best . . . Time and time again he has expanded the parameters of science fiction." ―The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

"One of science fiction's modern masters . . . His words and his work have shaped the whole direction of the field." ―Chicago Sun-Times

"Done Silverberg's way, science fiction is a fine art." ―Associated Press

"The John Updike of science fiction." ―The New York Times Book Review

"A master of his craft and imagination." ―Los Angeles Times

About the Author

ROBERT SILVERBERG is a giant in the science-fiction genre, with four Hugo Awards and six Nebula Awards to his name. He was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999 and named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America Guild in 2005. His short story "Needle in a Timestack" was adapted for the screen by Oscar-winning writer John Ridley (12 Years a Slave) in 2021, and additional projects are slated to finally bring more Silverberg writing to the screen. He lives in Oakland, California.