Subject
Time dilatation -- Fiction Books
Best books
Joseph Farrell
The Marrying Man
"The Marrying Man" by Joseph Farrell is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the life of Pete Cooper, an interstellar engineer who navigates the complexities of love and practicality in a world where long interstellar trips drastically alter the perception of time. The book explores themes of mortality, love, and the emotional toll of a life spent in space travel, as Pete engages in a series of marriages that are often influenced by his pragmatic decisions regarding life insurance. In this tale, Pete finds himself widowed multiple times as he dedicates himself to his interstellar service, prompting him to marry a young woman named Nancy during a brief leave. Their romance flourishes amidst the challenges posed by time dilation, as Pete travels through different epochs and struggles with guilt and practicality in his decisions. As he becomes aware of the emotional ramifications of his life choices, including the impact on Nancy, the story culminates in a poignant examination of the sacrifices made in the name of duty, love, and financial security. Ultimately, the novella portrays the tension between the desire for companionship and the harsh realities of a life spent among the stars.
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
...So They Baked a Cake
"...So They Baked a Cake" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the journey of a human interest columnist who is fed up with humanity and finds himself part of the first crew on a starship, the "Albert E.", which endeavors to travel deep into space using the experimental Larson Drive. The story revolves around themes of isolation, the challenges of space travel, and the unexpected emotional connections that can arise during such an adventure. As the "Albert E." travels toward its destination, the crew grapples with the realities of time dilation and the effects of leaving Earth behind. They discover a seemingly inhabited planet where an enigmatic welcome message greets them. Eventually, it becomes clear that this planet is home to a colony that has awaited their arrival, showcasing advancements in space travel that the crew never anticipated. The emotional reunion of Captain Hans Larson with his long-lost partner, Tina, reveals the complexities of human relationships and the continuity of life despite immense distances. This touching conclusion emphasizes themes of hope and connection amid the unknown expanses of space.
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.
Robert H. Wilson
Out Around Rigel
"Out Around Rigel" by Robert H. Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of space travel, friendship, and the consequences of ambition. The narrative follows the journey of two Lunarians, Garth and Dunal, as they embark on an ambitious voyage to Rigel in a spacecraft named the "Comet". This expedition leads to unforeseen challenges, both external and internal, that shape their destinies. The story revolves around the tension between Garth and Dunal, underscored by their friendship and rivalry. As they travel into the depths of space, they encounter thrilling phenomena, such as nearly colliding with a comet. However, their journey takes a dark turn when Garth succumbs to madness driven by jealousy, challenging Dunal to a life-or-death duel on the surface of an alien planet. Upon successfully escaping the planet's hostile environment, Dunal discovers that the temporal implications of their journey have unprecedented consequences—the trip to Rigel has spanned centuries back on their home, leaving Dunal alone in a world forever changed. The novel concludes with Dunal grappling with themes of loneliness, loss, and the irreversible passage of time.
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