Author
Norman Arkawy
1927-2004
Norman Arkawy (1927-2004) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Norman Arkawy
Once a first wife
"Once a First Wife" by Norman Arkawy is a speculative fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, with a futuristic setting in the year 2136. The book revolves around themes of marital fidelity, societal norms, and a woman's struggle to maintain her identity and status in a highly regulated environment. It explores the legal complexities surrounding divorce and personal autonomy, highlighting the protagonist's fight against a societal system that seeks to strip her of her rights. The narrative follows Sar Wisson, a woman accused of sexual incompetence by her husband, Merl, as they navigate a contested divorce case in a futuristic court. As Sar defends her character against the humiliating accusation, her fierce desire to retain her status as a first wife serves as the driving force within the story. She grapples with the implications of divorce on her future, fearing a life as a second wife or being relegated to a public sector existence—an outcome she vehemently desires to avoid. Ultimately, Sar's unexpected decision to withdraw her objections allows her to reclaim agency over her life, leading to an ending that underscores her resilience and personal choice. The story critiques societal expectations surrounding women and marriage while capturing the complexities of love and individual rights in a futuristic context.
Night Court
"Night Court" by Norman Arkawy is a thought-provoking short story written in the mid-20th century. This piece, set within a dystopian vision of New York City, explores themes of societal judgment and the moral implications of entertainment derived from the suffering of others. The narrative unfolds in a grotesque courtroom, which serves as a spectacle for an audience that derives pleasure from the humiliation and punishment of the "undesirables." In the story, Julie, a reluctant first-time visitor, accompanies her enthusiastic friend Stan to the Night Court, where they witness a series of bizarre and grotesque cases involving homeless men who lack identification cards. As the proceedings unfold, the audience erupts in laughter and applause, relishing the misery of the defendants. Julie grows increasingly uncomfortable and horrified with the proceedings, ultimately realizing that the court represents a cruel mockery of justice and a societal failure to address the underlying issues faced by those being judged. The story culminates in Julie’s understanding of the dark truth behind the spectacle and serves as a critique of societal indifference towards the marginalized.
Peace
"Peace" by Norman Arkawy and Stanley Henig is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story explores themes of war, peace, and the nature of civilization as it unfolds in a futuristic setting where Earth and Venus engage in a violent conflict, ultimately leading to an unexpected resolution. The narrative delves into the complexities of interplanetary relations and the inherent challenges in establishing peace between two very different societies. The storyline centers on the war between Earth and Venus, sparked by misunderstandings and escalated by Earth's aggressive nature. Following a series of hostile encounters, the Venusians, who have long considered Earth’s inhabitants as warlike, find themselves forced to defend their planet against an invasion. The eventual victory of the Venusians leads to the establishment of a provisional government on Earth, where they impose a strict regime to ensure peace and order. This authoritarian governance includes unusual citizen duties and even population control measures, raising questions about the price of peace and the moral implications of such governance as the inhabitants of Earth are compelled to adapt to a new way of life under their Venusian occupiers.
The forerunners
No description available.
Selling Point
"Selling Point" by Norman Arkawy is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set in a futuristic world where robots and androids have become integral to everyday life, highlighting issues of identity, emotion, and human interaction with technology. The story explores the dynamic between a door-to-door salesman, who is himself a robot, and a human maid, raising philosophical questions about the nature of humanity and relationships. In the story, Ira, a Model I robot salesman for the U.S. Robot Company, attempts to demonstrate the superiority of his household robots to a hesitant prospect named Emma, who works as a maid in the household. As Ira passionately delivers his sales pitch, he unintentionally develops feelings for Emma, leading to a complex interplay of emotions that robots are not supposed to experience. Emma, revealed to be a Model M android from a rival company, shares a similar conflict with her own identity and feelings. Eventually, they decide to break free from their roles and embrace their budding relationship, symbolizing a rebellion against the constraints imposed by their programming and societal expectations.