Subject
Human evolution -- Fiction Books
Best books
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.
Betsy Curtis
Temptress of Planet Delight
"Temptress of Planet Delight" by Betsy Curtis is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story centers on Captain Herl Hofner, a trader from Galactic Coordination, as he arrives on the planet Delight, which has been recently cleaned up from its past issues and renamed from Geescow. The opening introduces a blend of Galactic bureaucracy, the struggles of colonization, and hints at an underlying tension around the Eyefers, a population that embodies a societal burden, which sets the stage for an exploration of this unique civilization. At the start of the book, Captain Herl Hofner is navigating the complexities of interplanetary bureaucracy as he prepares to land on Delight. He encounters the friendly yet perplexed local port control staff, who inform him of the various regulations he must adhere to during his visit. As Herl adjusts to the planet, he learns about its unique inhabitants, the Eyefers, whose forgetfulness has led them to be viewed as societal outcasts. A sense of anticipation builds when Herl meets a mysterious girl wrapped in a golden haze in a waiting area, foreshadowing deeper connections to the planet and underscoring themes of beauty, societal structure, and individual responsibility within a complex political landscape. This initial setup leaves readers curious about Herl's journey and the fate of the inhabitants of Planet Delight amidst brewing conflicts.
Robert Abernathy
The Giants Return
"The Giants Return" by Robert Abernathy is a science fiction novel written in the late 1940s. The story is set in a distant future where humanity has ventured into deep space, exploring the galaxy in search of new habitable worlds after Earth has become overpopulated and resource-depleted. The primary topic of the book revolves around humanity's return to Earth after a long absence and the unexpected discoveries they make upon arrival. The narrative follows Captain Knof Llud and the crew of the interstellar ship "Quest III" as they journey home after spending hundreds of years in space. Excitement turns to dread when they discover that upon their return, Earth is inhabited by a new, smaller breed of humanity that perceives the astronauts as remnants of a bygone era, labeling them as "giants." As the "Quest III" comes under attack from these diminutive beings who seem intent on destroying them, Knof Llud must navigate this challenging return to a planet that has drastically changed and confront the unsettling reality of humanity’s evolution. In the end, the story explores themes of growth, societal change, and the very essence of what it means to be human.
Charles L. Fontenay
Family Tree
"Family Tree" by Charles L. Fontenay is a science fiction novella written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the provocative exploration of evolution, social norms, and what it means to be human in the context of a man who is revealed to be a superman due to his unusual chromosomal makeup. The narrative grapples with themes of societal standards, personal identity, and the implications of genetic mutation. The plot follows Masefield Truggles, a self-appointed moral guardian in the small town of Marston Hill, who aims to confront Blan Forsythe, a man rumored to be practicing polygamy and harboring extraordinary powers due to his unique genetic structure. As Truggles investigates and attempts to rally the town against Forsythe, he uncovers complex relationships with Phyllis Allison, Forsythe's ex-wife, and her son Donald, who holds a mysterious power of his own. The climax reveals that Donald is indeed the product of Forsythe's lineage, possessing an unusual number of chromosomes, which suggests a new step in human evolution. The narrative ultimately forces Truggles to confront his prejudices and insecurities, leading to a deep existential reflection on the nature of humanity and the ethics of evolution.
Algis Budrys
Between the dark and the daylight
"Between the Dark and the Daylight" by David C. Hodgkins is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, exploring themes of survival and the struggle for power within a confined society. The narrative unfolds in a dome that shelters the last remnants of humanity, focusing on the protagonist Brendan, who grapples with his authority over a group of men facing the unknown dangers of their world outside. The plot addresses the complexities of leadership, the instinct for survival, and the relationship between generations as they prepare for their children to leave the safety of their manufactured habitat. The story centers around Brendan, who is the current leader in a closed dome where generations have lived after their expedition crashed on an inhospitable planet. Tensions arise as Brendan's authoritarian approach clashes with other members of the group who want more transparency and involvement in monitoring their children, who will soon venture into the dangerous environment outside. As the day of opening the gates approaches, Brendan wrestles with his control over the nursery and the lives of the children, balancing his duty for the greater good against the growing dissent amongst his peers. The narrative builds to a climactic moment where Brendan's choices lead to an eruption of violence, reflecting the intense fear and primal instincts of a community on the brink of extinction.
Recently surfaced classics