How long is Out of the Silent Planet?

How Long Is “Out of the Silent Planet?” Let’s Dive In!

So, you’re thinking of picking up C.S. Lewis’s “Out of the Silent Planet,” huh? Excellent choice! It’s the first book in his Space Trilogy, and a real thought-provoker. But before you commit, you’re probably wondering, “How long is this thing, anyway?” Good question! Nobody wants to start a book only to realize it’s going to take them a month to finish.

Well, here’s the lowdown. “Out of the Silent Planet” isn’t exactly “War and Peace.” It’s a pretty manageable read.

Page Count: The Nitty-Gritty

The page count can wiggle around a bit depending on which edition you grab. Generally, you’re looking at somewhere between 154 and 264 pages. I’ve seen a lot of editions clocking in right around that 160-page mark. Fun fact: the original hardcover was a bit beefier, at 264 pages.

Word Count: For the Data Nerds

If you’re into the nitty-gritty details, the word count usually hovers between 40,000 and 57,383 words. Yeah, I know, it’s a range. Some folks say around 40,000, others 46,500, and still others swear it’s closer to 57,000. The point is, it’s not a super long book.

Reading Time: How Long Will It Really Take?

Okay, let’s get real. How long will it actually take to read? Well, that depends on how fast you read. But if you’re an average reader, chugging along at, say, 250-300 words per minute, you could probably knock it out in about 2 hours and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 53 minutes. Not bad, right? I reckon if you set aside about 30 minutes a day, you could conquer it in less than a week – maybe around 6 days. Perfect for a commute or a few evenings curled up on the couch.

What Makes the Length Vary?

A few things can affect the length. Different publishers use different font sizes and layouts. Plus, some editions have extra stuff like introductions or notes that add to the page count. And, of course, there’s the format.

Speaking of format, if you’re more of an audiobook person, that’s another way to go. The whole Space Trilogy clocks in at around 5 hours and 26 minutes. So, “Out of the Silent Planet” is probably a fraction of that time.

The Bottom Line

So, there you have it. “Out of the Silent Planet” is a relatively short and sweet novel. It’s a great way to dip your toes into C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy and explore some pretty deep ideas about philosophy and faith, all wrapped up in a cool sci-fi package. Happy reading!