Author
Wallace West
1900-1980
Wallace West (1900-1980) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Wallace West
The belt
"The Belt" by Wallace West is a science fiction novel written in the early to mid-20th century. Set on a fictional Caribbean island known as New Patmos, the book explores themes of social experimentation and the consequences of dehumanization through labor. The narrative delves into a family's generational struggle with a curse tied to their exploitation of convict labor and the resulting loss of humanity. The story follows Jonathan Robertson, who returns to New Patmos after his father’s death to claim his inheritance. Upon arrival, he discovers a grim reality: the descendants of convicts have been reduced to robotic laborers in a factory that processes Lapis Lazuli. As Jonathan grapples with the oppressive legacy of his ancestors, he attempts to liberate the workers and awaken their humanity. Despite his efforts, he is met with resistance and learns that the generation of workers has become so conditioned to their servitude that they cannot comprehend freedom. The tragic tale unfolds as Jonathan's attempts to effect change lead to devastating consequences, including the death of a young worker named Jo, which ultimately prompts Jonathan's realization of the depth of the curse that has gripped the island.
Listen, children ... listen!
"Listen, children ... listen!" by Wallace West is a work of horror fiction written in the early 1950s. The book presents a chilling story centered around themes of loss, isolation, and the psychological descent into madness, encapsulating a rural family dynamic in a bygone era. It likely explores the haunting nature of memory and the emotional repercussions of death, particularly focusing on the relationship between the living and the supernatural. The narrative follows the life of a young boy and his sister as they confront the ghostly presence of their grandmother, Maw, after the tragic death of their father. Maw's obsession with listening for her deceased husband's return spirals into madness, blurring the lines between reality and hallucination. As the children struggle to cope with their grief, they find themselves drawn into Maw's world of shadows and deluded conversations with her reflection in a mirror. This tale reflects on the impact of grief on mental health, the terror of familial loss, and the reliance on fragile memories, culminating in a horrifying revelation that leaves both the children and the reader unsettled.
Static
"Static" by Wallace West is a novella written in the early 20th century, often characterized by its vivid storytelling and exploration of human behavior in extreme circumstances. This fictional narrative takes place in colonial Africa, where the protagonist, Charles Markley, carries his radio equipment with him into the heart of the jungle. The book examines themes of isolation, the psychological effects of colonialism, and the intersection of technology and local cultures. The story revolves around Charles Markley, a young man disillusioned with life in England who relocates to Africa with ambitions of eliminating static in radio communication. His journey is marked by rapid descent into alcoholism and cultural clashes as he becomes entangled with the local customs and a native woman named Eta. As Markley's mental state deteriorates, he mistakenly presents his radio as a divine force to the villagers, leading to a catastrophic confrontation with the local witch doctor, Buhu, and ultimately, his downfall. The novella presents a vivid portrayal of the destructive influence of colonial mentality and personal despair, showcasing how isolation and indulgence can lead to tragic consequences.
No war tomorrow
"No War Tomorrow" by Wallace West is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set in a future where the threat of war looms not only over Earth but extends to its colonies, the book explores themes of power, conflict, and the potential for a new kind of warfare. The plot centers around Captain Frank Sage, a Space Patrol officer, and his struggles against the corrupt factions on Venus, as well as the broader implications of emerging technologies that could alter the balance of power in the solar system. The story follows Captain Sage as he navigates the complex political landscape of his time, which pits him against the so-called "Big Shots" of Wildoatia. These factions threaten to destabilize newly obtained peace through advanced weaponry. As Sage collaborates with Sadie Thompson, a strong-willed companion, they devise a plan to create a substitute for war amid rising tensions and the potential for catastrophic conflict. The narrative interweaves elements of action, romance, and moral dilemmas, presenting an engaging commentary on the nature of power and human ambition in a technologically-advanced society. Ultimately, Sage and Sadie's journey reflects the search for solutions beyond violence, steering readers toward broader reflections on conflict resolution and cooperation in the face of adversity.
Dawningsburgh
"Dawningsburgh" by Wallace West is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book explores the themes of disappointment and the search for authentic experiences through the eyes of tourists visiting a fabricated Martian city that has been commercialized for entertainment. The setting reflects a society that has commodified its history and culture, which leads to a critique of both tourism and the human tendency to seek superficial pleasures. The story follows Betsy O'Reilly, a disillusioned tourist, as she embarks on a quest to discover the true essence of Mars beneath the layers of artificiality and consumerism. Disappointed by her experiences in the tourist trap of Dawningsburgh, she ventures out into the cold Martian night, where she encounters Pitaret Mura, an atavistic Martian who has survived in a world largely controlled by robots and simulacra. As they interact, Mura reveals his desire to punish tourists for their misconceptions about Mars, but Betsy suggests a rather clever punishment: to force tourists to live out their mundanity indefinitely. This proposal shifts the narrative from violence to a reflection on the consequences of a shallow existence, creating a unique bond between them that underscores the conflict between authenticity and artifice.
The End of Time
"The End of Time" by Wallace West is a science fiction novella that was originally published in Astounding Stories in the early 1930s. The narrative revolves around a peculiar phenomenon where humanity experiences a paralysis of time-sense, causing people to move in extreme slow motion and eventually be trapped in a state of suspended animation. This work explores the concept of time as a subjective experience, guided by both philosophical musings and the story's gripping events that blend scientific inquiry with human drama. In the story, Jack Baron, a radio engineer, and Dr. Frank Manthis, a chemist, discover that a mysterious force is causing individuals to lose their perception of time, leading them to be frozen in place as the world around them continues to function at a normal pace. With only a limited supply of a drug that temporarily corrects this time-sense, the two men, along with June, the doctor's daughter, struggle against a sinister figure, Ivan Solinski, who seeks to control this power for his own nefarious purposes. As they fight to awaken those who have succumbed to this cataleptic state, their desperation leads them to a climactic confrontation that determines not just their fate, but the fate of the entire world. The story is rich with themes of resilience, the nature of reality, and the implications of scientific exploration gone awry.