Letters from Atlantis is told in letters written by Roy to Lora, another time traveler living in the mind of a provincial governor in what today would be Russia. He takes over Ram's mind while Ram is sleeping and writes letters in English which are sent in a pouch to Lora's host. The letters take about two months to travel from the island to Lora, which means Roy is often writing letters without having as yet had replies to earlier letters. This complicated way of presenting the narrative works well because Silverberg is ever aware of the needs of his reader, consistently providing details that clarify what is going on.

Literary critics have long admired Silverberg's writing skill, making it no surprise that Letters from Atlantis would have exceptional depth of thought.

Silverberg conveys a sense of the alienness of the Athilantans while keeping them human enough that...