The Short Life by Francis Donovan

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About this eBook

Author Donovan, Francis
Title The Short Life
Series Title Produced from Astounding Science Fiction October 1955.
Note Reading ease score: 73.4 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, David Garcia and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "The Short Life" by Francis Donovan is a science fiction novel written in a contemporary style that likely reflects mid-20th century sensibilities. The story explores themes of identity, intelligence, and the complexities of communication through the eyes of Timmy, a child with a mental disability, and an alien consciousness that inadvertently takes control of his life. The novel delves into Timmy's unique relationship with his mother, Helen, and the struggles they face as they navigate a world filled with conflicting expectations and unspoken truths. At the start of the book, we witness the intricate dynamics of Helen Douglas's emotional turmoil regarding her child, Timothy, who is a congenital idiot. The narrative shifts from Timmy’s early experiences as he awakens to the world around him, culminating in Helen’s desperate attempts to connect with and understand her son. As Timmy grows, he begins to exhibit signs of unexpected intelligence, raising questions about his true nature and the potential of his mind. Meanwhile, an alien intelligence, referred to as the Challonari, faces its own existential challenges and ultimately intertwines with Timmy’s consciousness, setting the stage for a profound exploration of what it means to be human—and the moral implications of identity and autonomy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Category Text
EBook-No. 23928
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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