A review by jdnew18
The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester

adventurous challenging dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A tour de force of sci-fi concepts and ideas which leap out at the reader, often wholly unexpectedly, as they traverse through the story. This book is deceptive, starting off as a pulp novel, then rapidly progressing into a far higher form of art.

The gritty, vengeful, and unthinking main character undergoes a massive moral enlightenment via a dizzying yet balanced plethora of influences arising from both the cast and plot. The extremely fast pace and short length of this novel does not leave time for lengthy character monologues or introspections. Instead, the reader is simply strapped in for the ride - white knuckled, skin pulled back - their fate left to the seemingly indefatigable depths of the author's muse.

Enjoy!
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