The Happy Unfortunate

The Happy Unfortunate

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2.6666666666667
(3 Reviews)
The Happy Unfortunate by Robert Silverberg

Published:

1957

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The Happy Unfortunate

By

2.6666666666667
(3 Reviews)
Dekker, back from space, found great physical changes in the people of Earth; changes that would have horrified him five years before. But now, he wanted to be like the rest--even if he had to lose an eye and both ears to do it.

Book Excerpt

"We've been waiting for you. Come on; Kal will be delighted that you're here."

The elevator zoomed up so quickly that Rolf thought for a moment that he was back in space. But it stopped suddenly at the 62nd floor, and, as the door swung open, the sounds of wild revelry drifted down the hall. Rolf had a brief moment of doubt when he pictured Laney and Kanaday at this very moment, playing cards in their mouldering hovel while he walked down this plastiline corridor back into a world he had left behind.

Quinton came out into the hall to greet him. Rolf recognized him by the missing ears; his skin was now a subdued blue to go with his orange robe.

"I'm so glad you came," the little Earther bubbled. "Come on in and I'll introduce you to everyone."

The door opened photoelectrically as they approached. Quinton seized him by the hand and dragged him in. There was the sound of laughter and of shouting. As he entered it all stopped, suddenly, as if it had been shut off. Rolf stared at th

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A wonderful premise ruined by amateur writing, bad dialogue, no real plot, and a grade-school ending. A complete waste of time.
Spacers had been bred for big bodies and thick bones. Those stuck on the Earth called them apes, and decorated their puny bodies with plastic surgery. They did't mix, and when they did, someone got hurt.

A story of mankind evolving in two different directions, and of one spaceman who wants to return to his youth, before he no longer fit in.

Good characterizations; the people all behave reasonably.