Author
Arnold Castle
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Subjects
Books by Arnold Castle
The Invisible Enemy
"The Invisible Enemy" by Arnold Castle is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a young man named Tom who grapples with the complexities and absurdities of war as he participates in a conflict whose motivations elude him. Central to the story is the exploration of the psychological and social impacts of warfare on individuals, especially a new generation of soldiers. In the book, Tom is sent to war at the tender age of fifteen, filled with anxiety and confusion about the enemy he is supposed to confront. Throughout his experience in battle, he reflects on the nature of violence and its futility, questioning the very motives behind his participation in the war. The climax of Tom's journey occurs when he comes face to face with the enemy, leading to a moment of profound realization about the shared humanity between soldiers on opposing sides. Ultimately, the story addresses themes of peace, the cost of violence, and the possibility of an alternative future free from conflict, echoing the sentiment that the true enemy lies within the cycle of war and aggression that humanity perpetuates.
When Day is Done
"When Day is Done" by Arnold Castle is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative is set in a future society where individuals participate in recreational jungle runs filled with robotic animals, simulating a hunting experience. The story explores themes of adventure, human resilience, and the complexities of social interactions within a highly controlled urban environment. The protagonist, Bertram J. Bernard, is president of a company and an experienced jungle runner. He begins his run after work and encounters dangers within the jungle, particularly from robotic panthers. During his adventure, he comes to the aid of a young woman who is about to be attacked by these mechanical beasts. After saving her, they share a brief moment of connection before Bernard declines her invitation to join her for a drink. Throughout the story, Bernard reflects on his long history as a jungle runner and his contentment with his life as he returns home to his wife, embodying the blend of thrill and mundanity in this unique futuristic setting.
A Mixture of Genius
"A Mixture of Genius" by Arnold Castle is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story explores the implications of youthful ingenuity and recklessness as it follows Senator Vance Duran and the unexpected consequences stemming from his son Roger's actions involving a group of teens who create and launch a rocket in a prank that has significant legal and civic repercussions. The narrative unfolds as the senator returns home to face the turmoil generated by his son and his friends, who together built a rocket that inadvertently causes damage. Through the interactions between Duran, his son, and various officials, the story highlights the themes of generational conflict, the complexity of growing up in a world increasingly consumed by technology, and the challenges of parental responsibility. As Duran grapples with his son's actions and his burgeoning political career, he reflects on maturity, the potential of youth, and society's expectations, ultimately questioning who is truly equipped to pioneer the future—a mixture of genius or a lack of wisdom.
The Perfectionists
"The Perfectionists" by Arnold Castle is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story explores themes of identity, conformity, and societal standards of perfection in a bizarre setting that challenges human nature. It delves into the psychological complexity of its protagonist, Frank Pembroke, who navigates a surreal world that demands conformity while grappling with his own understanding of imperfection. The narrative follows Frank Pembroke, an adventurous man who survives a shipwreck and finds himself in the strange city of Puerto Pacifico, where the inhabitants are obsessively concerned with being perfect. Pembroke encounters various peculiar characters and learns that the society is designed to evaluate and adjust people to fit a specific mold of perfection, leading to fatal consequences for those who fail to conform. As he interacts with the residents, including an eerily perfect woman named Mary Ann, Pembroke devises a plan to escape this oppressive environment. Ultimately, he comes to terms with his own flaws and uses his newfound understanding to combat the insidious standards imposed by the society, culminating in a desperate bid for survival as he exposes the dark truth behind the city’s pursuit of perfection.