Hothouse by Brian Aldiss (Vintage 1972 Edition)

“Hothouse” is a science fiction novel by British author Brian Aldiss, first published in 1962. The novel is set in a distant future where the Earth has stopped rotating and one side of the planet is permanently facing the sun. The novel follows the story of a group of humans, known as the “family,” who live in a giant banyan tree that spans the entire planet.

The novel explores the theme of evolution, as the flora and fauna of the planet have evolved to thrive in the extreme conditions created by the stagnant sun. The “family” must adapt and evolve in order to survive in this harsh environment, which is populated by intelligent plants and animals that pose a threat to their existence.

The novel is also notable for its vivid descriptions of the strange and exotic world that Aldiss has created. The banyan tree that serves as the setting for the novel is a vibrant and complex ecosystem, with different levels of the tree inhabited by different types of creatures. The “family” encounters a variety of strange and dangerous creatures on their journey through the tree, including giant spiders and carnivorous plants.

“Hothouse” has been praised for its imaginative world-building and its exploration of the themes of evolution and survival. The novel won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1962, cementing Aldiss’s reputation as one of the most important voices in science fiction. It remains a classic of the genre, and is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone interested in exploring the possibilities of the human imagination.