Subject
Torture -- Fiction Books
Best books
Franz Kafka
In der Strafkolonie
"In der Strafkolonie" by Franz Kafka is a story written in October 1914 and published in 1919. A traveling researcher visits a remote penal colony where he witnesses an elaborate execution machine designed by the former commandant. The apparatus tortures condemned prisoners for hours by inscribing their violated commandment into their flesh. As the officer demonstrates this brutal justice system, he seeks the researcher's support to preserve it against growing opposition. The demonstration takes an unexpected turn that leads to the researcher's hasty departure from the island.
Octave Mirbeau
Le jardin des supplices
"Le jardin des supplices" by Octave Mirbeau is a novel published in 1899. This provocative work follows a French political operative sent on a dubious mission to Ceylon, where he encounters the enigmatic Clara, an English woman who guides him through a Chinese torture garden. Through disturbing descriptions and dark humor, the novel explores violence, colonialism, and what Mirbeau calls the universal "law of murder" that underlies all societies. Its deliberately ambiguous tone challenges readers to question civilization, morality, and the boundaries between beauty and horror.
Rog Phillips
Captain Peabody
"Captain Peabody" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction story published in the late 20th century. This narrative revolves around Captain Arthur Peabody, who reflects on his unconventional journey as a space captain while confronting his fears and insecurities, particularly associated with a notorious bully among the crew, Oscar Resnick. Set in a futuristic backdrop, the story explores themes of strength, fear, and personal growth within the high-stakes environment of space travel. The plot unfolds at a gathering of retired space captains where Peabody recounts the defining experience of his first command aboard the starship "Alabama". Struggling with the presence of Resnick, his former nemesis, Peabody grapples with his overwhelming fear of being perceived as a coward by his crew. Attempting to manage the tension, he unwittingly involves himself in the ordeal of another crew member, David Markham, who has a troubled past of his own. Ultimately, Peabody's journey leads him to confront Resnick in a climactic encounter that tests his courage and self-identity. By overcoming his fear and asserting his authority, Peabody transforms into the captain he aspires to be, embracing both his vulnerabilities and qualities of leadership.
William Oberfield
The Enormous Word
"The Enormous Word" by William Oberfield is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. Set in a dystopian future where Earth is under the oppressive control of extraterrestrial invaders, the story follows Winston Eberly, a desperate Earthman who is on a mission to challenge the alien rulers. The narrative explores themes of resistance, the human spirit, and the notion of power as Eberly faces insurmountable odds in his quest. The plot centers on Winston Eberly, whose inner monologue reveals his determination to carry out a desperate mission against the blue-skinned alien invaders who have subjugated Earth. He possesses a small capsule of refined Uranium, a crucial component for building an atomic bomb that could potentially annihilate the aliens' city. As he is captured and tortured, Eberly's resolve is tested, but he cleverly uses the situation to his advantage. Ultimately, he manages to unleash a catastrophic "burp," which serves as both an expression of defiance and the catalyst for devastation, leading to the destruction of the alien stronghold. The story poignantly illustrates the resilience of humanity even in the darkest of times and the irony that can arise in moments of dire desperation.
Henry Hasse
Proktols of Neptune
"Proktols of Neptune" by Henry Hasse is a science fiction novel, likely written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of alien encounters and survival, as it explores the horrific realities of a race of beings known as Proktols inhabiting the moon of Neptune. As the title suggests, the narrative delves into space adventures marked by danger and the unknown. In the book, Commander Janus and his crew aboard the patrol ship "Wasp" encounter a derelict spaceship, which leads them to the Proktols and their rituals. Rumors of the Proktols haunt the crew, suggesting they partake in unspeakable tortures. The Earthmen quickly find themselves trapped as the Proktols capture them for an intended ceremony, where they must select one among themselves for a gruesome ritual of sacrifice meant to feed a sentient Brain that controls the Proktols. The narrative escalates tension as Janus and his remaining crew seek ways to escape and return to Earth, vowing to confront the alien threat that lingers despite their harrowing experience. The book emphasizes fear of the unknown and the consequences of curiosity in the vast emptiness of space.
Robert Silverberg
The Inquisitor
"The Inquisitor" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story revolves around Conway Kroll, an interrogator working for a totalitarian state, where he is tasked with extracting information from prisoners accused of treason. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the nature of truth within a oppressive regime. The plot follows Kroll as he conducts brutal interrogations using a robotic Inquisitor that ruthlessly tortures prisoners until they provide the state with the desired information. Throughout the story, Kroll is confronted by various prisoners demonstrating their strength and resolve despite the imminent torture. The final examination of Kroll himself culminates in a dramatic twist; after expressing doubt about the state's righteousness, he becomes a target, showcasing how blind loyalty can lead to one's own downfall. This shocking conclusion reflects on the moral ambiguities of authority and the consequences of unquestioningly following the state, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of right and wrong in a highly controlled society.
Edgar Allan Poe
La Puto kaj la Pendolo: Rakonto el la Hispana Inkvizicio
"La Puto kaj la Pendolo: Rakonto el la Hispana Inkvizicio" by Edgar Allan Poe is a short story first published in 1842. An unnamed prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition faces a series of psychological and physical torments in complete darkness. He discovers a deadly pit, narrowly escapes a descending razor-sharp pendulum, and confronts closing red-hot walls. Through intense sensory detail, Poe creates mounting terror as the narrator struggles to survive increasingly horrific methods of execution designed by his captors.
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