Subject
Memory -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry James
The Altar of the Dead
"The Altar of the Dead" by Henry James is a short story published in 1895. The tale follows George Stransom, who creates a private ritual of lighting candles in a church to honor his deceased friends and preserve their memory from oblivion. When he befriends a woman who shares his devotion to the dead, he discovers she mourns the one person he refuses to forgive. Their spiritual connection fractures over this single name, forcing Stransom to confront whether love and forgiveness can transcend even the deepest wounds of the past.
Keith Laumer
A trace of memory
"A Trace of Memory" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around Legion, a soldier of fortune who unexpectedly finds himself on a mysterious and dangerous journey across time and space, involving elements of memory and identity. With the backdrop of espionage and adventure, the narrative explores themes of amnesia and the pursuit of one's past. The opening of the novel introduces Legion as he wakes up in a strange, blood-stained environment aboard a deserted spacecraft, where he discovers the dead bodies of his friends and associates. The narrative quickly escalates as he learns he is being hunted by "Hunters," mysterious entities that track down criminals. As he attempts to escape with a wounded friend, the story shifts to present-day where Legion is initially characterized as a down-and-out figure contemplating petty crime, eventually leading to an encounter with a mysterious Mr. Foster. This interaction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their identities and how their intertwined fates will unfold against the backdrop of cosmic danger and the search for truth.
Sue Greenleaf
Don Miguel Lehumada: discoverer of liquid from the sun's rays an occult romance of Mexico and the United States
"Don Miguel Lehumada: Discoverer of Liquid from the Sun's Rays" by Sue Greenleaf is an occult romance set in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Don Miguel Lehumada, the titular character, as he explores the scientific and metaphysical implications of a remarkable substance that transforms memories, referred to as "Memory Fluid." This work intertwines elements of science, spirituality, and reincarnation, establishing a backdrop that crosses between Mexican and American contexts. The opening of the book introduces us to significant characters, including the scientist Señor Guillermo Gonzales and the Governor Don Miguel Lehumada, who is portrayed as both a political figure and a man deeply invested in the moral and scientific dilemmas surrounding their discoveries. We learn about Julio Murillo, an assistant to Gonzales, who is examining properties derived from sunlight using chemical instruments. The stage is set for a journey through memory and past lives, hinting at the exploration of justice and retribution related to an infamous character known only as "The Plunger from Kansas." As these characters engage with the profound ramifications of their scientific pursuits, the narrative promises a complex interplay of personal and societal transformations.
Gerda Rhoads
My past is mine
"My Past Is Mine" by Gerda Rhoads is a science fiction story that was likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a man named Eddie Tomlinson, who has experienced a profound loss of color in his perception of reality, transforming his vibrant life into a grayscale experience. The story explores themes of memory, identity, and the essence of human experience, prompting readers to consider how perceptions shape reality. The plot centers on Eddie’s journey of confronting his loss while traveling on a train, where he encounters a stranger who shares a relatable experience. Both men grapple with their pasts—Eddie's being the disappearance of color from his life, and the stranger's being tied to a term, "povodil," which he can’t fully articulate. As Eddie recounts the distressing details of losing color after a visit to the movies, he attempts to connect with the stranger, hoping to find understanding. The two eventually discover a shared history, complicating their existence as they navigate a world that seemingly lacks the vibrant elements they once knew. The story culminates in questions of identity and lost potential, leaving readers to ponder the relationship between perception and reality.
Larry Sternig
Total Recall
"Total Recall" by Larry Sternig is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic setting where an impending alien invasion threatens the stability of the Solar System. The plot centers on a scientist who must recover the formula for a crucial chemical compound lost in his memory, which is key to thwarting this existential threat. The story follows Roger Kay, who is tasked with assisting scientist Corvo North, whose groundbreaking discovery—a catalyst that can disrupt explosives—is crucial for defending against an invading fleet. Faced with a tight deadline, Roger and Corvo attempt to use a machine that can access and restore lost memories, specifically recalling the moment when Corvo first documented the formula. Amidst intense personal and professional strains, and with the help of Corvo's daughter, Ann, they race against time to secure humanity's survival. Ultimately, through clever planning, Roger prevents Corvo from destroying the formula once again and successfully saves the day, ensuring the invaders are stopped before they can begin their assault.
Basil Wells
Memorium
No description available.
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
The Mind Digger
"The Mind Digger" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story delves into the fascinating yet unsettling realm of memory and its implications for creativity and personal experience. It explores the journey of a young playwright, Hillary Hardy, who seeks to achieve total recall of his memories through experimental therapy, ultimately leading to profound and harrowing consequences. The narrative follows the rise of Hillary Hardy, a gifted but unconventional young playwright who sells his first play, "Updraft," to the producer George Crocker. As his fame grows and he becomes a prolific writer, Hardy engrosses himself in memory enhancement experiments, aiming to achieve total recall back to his conception. While these endeavors initially prove to be a source of artistic inspiration, they also lead him to relive all his past traumas and pains with intense emotional clarity. As a result, the creative outlet he once thrived upon transforms into a torturous experience, ultimately leaving him in a state of mental collapse. The climax of the story illustrates the dangers of blurring the lines between memory and reality, as well as the psychological toll of seeking to harness the mind's full potential.
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