This was the first novel awarded a Hugo award (the past two being retroactively awarded). Alfred Bester is a writer I'd never even heard of much less read before. The whole point of this project was to read some books that were new to me and stretch my horizons a bit. This was my first chance to actually do so and man did I enjoy it!
Bester has created a world some few hundred years in the future in which a small portion of mankind has varying degrees of telepathy. They are called 'espers' or 'peepers'. Premeditated murder is a thing of the past. Not only could the peepers sense the murderous intent beforehand but no one could possibly get away with the crime afterwards.
Or could they? One of the richest men on the planet is being haunted in his dreams and he thinks his only solution is to kill one of his rivals. But how can he possibly get away with it? That's the riddle that Bester creates and the whole thing is rather clever.
This book is written in a similar style to Raymond Chandler's hardboiled detective books. I loved those for the sheer style of the characters and 'The Demolished Man' was much the same. The entire book fairly screams to be made into a movie. It would look something like a cross between 'Bladerunner' and 'The Maltese Falcon'.
One other notable aspect of the book is the way it treats the telepaths. Early on it portrays a party of peepers. They play games with their minds in way that crosses a smyphony orchestra with a set of word puzzles. It's unique to say the least, and very effective.
A very good book and if you've been looking for something new to read this should be on your list.
2 comments:
The Demolished Man is a fantastic book! If you haven't already, check out Bester's other book The Stars My Destination. It's a retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. Great stuff, indeed.
There have been rumors of a DM movie over the years but nothing ever comes of them. Not sure why that is. Seems like a no-brainer to me. Then again, would Hollywood do it justice?
Of course Hollywood would screw it up somehow. That's what they do! But maybe some remnant of the original story would come through enough to make it worthwhile.
Post a Comment