Subject
Loneliness -- Fiction Books
Best books
Philip Wylie
Gladiator
"Gladiator" by Philip Wylie is a science fiction novel published in 1930. A scientist creates a serum that grants superhuman abilities and injects his pregnant wife without her knowledge. Their son Hugo Danner is born with incredible strength, speed, and bulletproof skin—but spends his life hiding these gifts from a fearful world. As Hugo searches desperately for purpose and belonging, he confronts the isolating burden of being different. Widely considered an inspiration for Superman, this groundbreaking novel explores what happens when extraordinary power meets ordinary human longing.
Ray Bradbury
I, Mars
I, Mars by Ray Bradbury is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The story centers on isolation and self-inflicted psychological torment as a stranded colonist on Mars confronts his own voice preserved in machines. Emil Barton, left alone on Mars after an atomic war recalls Earth’s colonists, survives by wiring the planet with telephones and tapes of his younger self to simulate companionship. Decades later, now old and frail, those recordings begin to taunt him, reminding him of youth and hope while exposing his present despair. He once tried to animate empty towns with sounds, scents, and even robots—only to drown the robots when the delusion became unbearable. Lured by a fake call from a “rocket captain,” he drives across Mars hoping for rescue, finds only empty tarmacs and more machines, and in a final rage smashes phones until his heart fails. The last voices left are two youthful Bartons, mechanically linked, cheerfully talking and laughing, oblivious to the real man’s death.
E. M. Delafield
Consequences
"Consequences" by E.M. Delafield is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically during the years around World War I. The story revolves around the life of Alex Clare, exploring her upbringing with her siblings and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with authority figures and her peers. The narrative highlights themes of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the consequences of actions, as indicated by the title. The opening of the book introduces readers to the Clare children gathered around the nursery playing a game called "Consequences." Through their interactions, we meet Alex, the self-appointed leader, who navigates sibling rivalry and the expectations placed upon her. The scene sets the stage for themes of competition and the desire for approval, particularly as Alex grapples with her familial role and the influence of the nursery maid, Emily. As the narrative progresses, Alex's impulsive nature leads to significant repercussions, hinting at the broader implications of her actions, which sets up a compelling trajectory for her character development throughout the rest of the novel.
Jerry Sohl
Death in Transit
"Death in Transit" by Jerry Sohl is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the themes of love, loss, and the challenges of isolation, set aboard a starship in transit to a distant colony. The narrative explores both the psychological depth of its characters and the implications of advanced technology in human relationships. The plot follows Clifton, the captain of the ship, who faces the devastating loss of his wife, Karen, after a tragic accident. Struggling with loneliness and grief during the long journey to the colony of Ostarpa, he awakens a young woman named Portia Lavester from cryogenic sleep to find companionship. However, as he attempts to forge a new bond with Portia, he grapples with memories of Karen and the reality of his situation. The story takes a dark turn as Clifton's emotional turmoil culminates in a desperate act, revealing the complexities of love and the consequences of trying to escape one's grief. Ultimately, "Death in Transit" delves into the nature of human connection and the haunting presence of those we have lost.
W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
The Tables of the Law; & The Adoration of the Magi
"The Tables of the Law; & The Adoration of the Magi" by W. B. Yeats is a collection of two prose pieces that delve into themes of spirituality and mysticism, likely crafted in the early 20th century. The book examines the nature of desire, the intersection of art and religion, and the complexities of human experience against the backdrop of philosophical and theological inquiry. The first piece, "The Tables of the Law," revolves around a conversation between two men, one being Aherne, who has a deep interest in mystical theology and the nature of existence. Aherne reveals his possession of a rare and powerful text attributed to Joachim of Flora, focusing on the evolution of spiritual kingdoms and proposing a heretical understanding of divine law that challenges conventional beliefs. The second piece, "The Adoration of the Magi," features three old men who journey from a western Irish island to Paris in search of wisdom and the secret names of the gods. Their encounter with a dying woman leads to a mystical revelation about the immortals and the return of forgotten truths. Through rich imagery and philosophical dialogue, Yeats intertwines elements of folklore, spiritual quest, and the quest for artistic expression.
Jim Harmon
How to Make Friends
"How to Make Friends" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative centers on William Manet, an overseer on Mars who grapples with profound loneliness in his isolated job at an Atmosphere Seeder Station. The story explores themes of companionship, desire, and the underlying absurdity of human connections in the face of existential solitude. As the plot unfolds, Manet's solitude drives him into a psychological struggle, and he eventually encounters a character named Trader Tom who offers him a "Socialization Kit" designed to create friends. Inside the kit, Manet finds various components and a manual titled "The Making of Friends and Others." In his humorous yet tragic attempts to create meaningful relationships, he constructs Ronald, a mundane companion, and Veronica, a less-than-astute female figure. However, when he tries to build Victor, who becomes his adversary, the story culminates in a poignant realization about companionship and the nature of friendship. Ultimately, Manet finds that challenges and conflicts can be more engaging than the shallow, vacuous connections he initially sought.
Henry Slesar
Mr. Loneliness
"Mr. Loneliness" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. Set in a remote asteroid outpost, the narrative explores themes of isolation and the human need for connection in the vastness of space. The story centers around a lone character, Pace, whose experiences reflect both the physical and emotional challenges of being so far removed from humanity. In the story, Pace is a man stationed on a desolate outpost, grappling with intense feelings of loneliness and despair. Despite the company of three visitors who attempt to lighten the mood with humor and camaraderie, his solitude weighs heavily on him, exacerbated by thoughts of a girl named Laura who is unable to visit due to illness. As tensions rise between Pace and the visitors, particularly with Towne, it leads to an angry confrontation. However, the confrontation reveals the extent of Pace's loneliness as he struggles against the cosmic emptiness surrounding him. The story culminates in a poignant moment where he finds himself utterly alone once more, emphasizing the profound impact of isolation in a setting designed for exploration and connection.
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