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A review by lesserjoke
The Man Who Folded Himself by David Gerrold
5.0
This short novel starts out feeling like it will be a fun sci-fi romp, but it soon turns mind-bending and profoundly reflective in equal measure. Bequeathed a device that can travel back and forth along the timestream, our hero encounters many alternate versions of himself: some from his relative future, some from his past (often with him playing first the younger and then the older role in quick succession), and some from branching realities that his / their meddling has since prevented. In the book's most daring section, he even strikes up a romantic relationship with himself -- and although many writers would treat that as a simple punchline or an excuse for prurience, gay author David Gerrold instead delivers a tender consideration of coming to terms with one's desires without shame.
Like the best of its genre, this story entertains readers with fabulous inventions while also posing smart questions on topics like human nature, identity, free will, and fate. It's clever in a way that serves its character(s) rather than merely showing off twisty paradoxes, and its lonely traveler reminds me strongly of Steven Gould's Jumper, a staple of my own wayward youth. Gerrold is most famous for screenwriting the classic Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles," but this Hugo and Nebula nominee proves that his long-form fiction is just as striking.
[Note #1: Although the book was originally written in 1973, my library only had the updated version released 30 years later. I can't speak to what all has changed beyond the new 9/11 references, but I understand that this is the author's preferred text anyway.
Note #2: This is the first title that I'm reading and reviewing at a Patreon donor's request. Want to nominate books for me yourself (or otherwise support my writing)? Sign up for a small monthly donation today at https://patreon.com/lesserjoke!]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter
Like the best of its genre, this story entertains readers with fabulous inventions while also posing smart questions on topics like human nature, identity, free will, and fate. It's clever in a way that serves its character(s) rather than merely showing off twisty paradoxes, and its lonely traveler reminds me strongly of Steven Gould's Jumper, a staple of my own wayward youth. Gerrold is most famous for screenwriting the classic Star Trek episode "The Trouble with Tribbles," but this Hugo and Nebula nominee proves that his long-form fiction is just as striking.
[Note #1: Although the book was originally written in 1973, my library only had the updated version released 30 years later. I can't speak to what all has changed beyond the new 9/11 references, but I understand that this is the author's preferred text anyway.
Note #2: This is the first title that I'm reading and reviewing at a Patreon donor's request. Want to nominate books for me yourself (or otherwise support my writing)? Sign up for a small monthly donation today at https://patreon.com/lesserjoke!]
Find me on Patreon | Goodreads | Blog | Twitter