Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Hodder & Stoughton General Division (1990), Paperback, 304 pages
Description
The Nebula Award-winning author of The Forever War explores a world where time is money-and for some, both are running out . . . The Stileman Process is a medical miracle: Every ten years or so, you can restore youth and health to your aging, ailing body-as long as you can pay the enormous fee. The scientific advancement has altered the twenty-first-century world even more than space travel. Dallas Barr is one of the oldest men on Earth, and now he needs to repeat the procedure. But while scrambling desperately for his next essential million, he meets Maria, a woman from a previous life-and makes two chilling discoveries: Not all Stileman "immortals" were created the same. And their days may be more numbered than they think . . . From the author of The Hemingway Hoax and Camouflage, and the recipient of multiple science fiction honors including the Hugo, John W. Campbell, and Robert A. Heinlein Awards.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member ejj1955
Interesting sci fi novel about a future Earth and some outer planets/asteroid settlements. Humans can extend their lives by paying a million dollars minimum or their entire fortune every ten years for a process known as the Stileman. When the main character, an immortal named Dallas Barr, refuses
Interesting story, fun to read.
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to join a secret cabal of immortals, his life and that of his immortal lover, Maria, is threatened.Interesting story, fun to read.
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LibraryThing member barpurple
I hugely enjoyed this book. There's a familiarity in the desperation to exisit past a normal mortal span. That fact that this is a luxury afforded only by the super rich makes the tale even more believable. The twists and turns of the story fueled by the resentmant for the top tiers of society are
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brilliant and managed to keep me guessing to the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member RandyStafford
My reactions to reading this book in 1990. Some spoilers follow.
Haldeman, in this novel, exhibits his trademark style: a fast-paced story of hard science and action told with a grace of sparse writing and cynical, wry, black humor. Here Haldeman tackles the immortal/longevity theme of sf. As usual
Haldeman deals with subtler aspects of immortality: the dangers inherent in making a fortune in only one way, the possibilities of multiple careers as protagonist Dallas Barr enjoys, and, most important and subtlest of all is the relationship of the immortals with each other and ephemerals. The immortals, as evidenced by Barr and Maria Marconi, carry on on-and-off relationships over decades. With Ephemerals they sometimes have the creepy realization they are the age of a person’s grandparent and will live on after their death.
There are other pleasures in the book. Haldeman talks of the financial conservatism of the immortals as well as the vision of others, of the complexity of the treatment which limits its application which limits population growth. I liked info maniac Eric Lundley, constant companion and brain-in-the box. The wild “anarchy” of Ceres was reminiscent of the American West. Haldeman writes of violence as a man who has seen it.
Haldeman uses typographical tricks of a limited nature and the “documentary” style of Haldeman’s literary idols John Dos Passos and John Brunner, a style I particularly enjoy and is particularly useful in sf.
The only flaw in this novel is the rather limited detail afforded villain Charles Briskin’s nefarious plans. It was interesting Sir Briskin was an economist with an ill-defined, vaguely explained plan for manipulation of world society. (I liked the wordly Barr not being at all interested in participating in conspiracies and slow to believe he is fighting one.) Briskin uses immortality as a way of ensuring subordinate loyalty. But the end is a bit rushed, and we don’t get much detail on Briskin’s plan. Barr and Marconi close the novel by stating the immortal existence has dimensions yet to be revealed.
I wish Haldeman would have pursed this world in future books.
Haldeman, in this novel, exhibits his trademark style: a fast-paced story of hard science and action told with a grace of sparse writing and cynical, wry, black humor. Here Haldeman tackles the immortal/longevity theme of sf. As usual
Show More
with Haldeman, he has given thought to the complexities of his subject but doesn’t let that slow his narrative pace or clutter his style. The idea of a very complex life renewing treatment purchased every ten years at the cost of a million pounds or an entire fortune, whichever is more, is well worked out. Haldeman shows the Stileman Clinics as concentrating “immortal” derived wealth in their ends for social reform -- one possible solution to the problem of immortals accumulating huge amounts of wealth. Haldeman raises the interesting point that money, in the hands of “immortals” may lead, unlike “ephemeral” financing, to funding of long term projects like space colonization. Haldeman also addresses the problems of immortals cheating on their financial dealings. The Stileman Clinics tacitly ignore legalities so they can have repeat customers.Haldeman deals with subtler aspects of immortality: the dangers inherent in making a fortune in only one way, the possibilities of multiple careers as protagonist Dallas Barr enjoys, and, most important and subtlest of all is the relationship of the immortals with each other and ephemerals. The immortals, as evidenced by Barr and Maria Marconi, carry on on-and-off relationships over decades. With Ephemerals they sometimes have the creepy realization they are the age of a person’s grandparent and will live on after their death.
There are other pleasures in the book. Haldeman talks of the financial conservatism of the immortals as well as the vision of others, of the complexity of the treatment which limits its application which limits population growth. I liked info maniac Eric Lundley, constant companion and brain-in-the box. The wild “anarchy” of Ceres was reminiscent of the American West. Haldeman writes of violence as a man who has seen it.
Haldeman uses typographical tricks of a limited nature and the “documentary” style of Haldeman’s literary idols John Dos Passos and John Brunner, a style I particularly enjoy and is particularly useful in sf.
The only flaw in this novel is the rather limited detail afforded villain Charles Briskin’s nefarious plans. It was interesting Sir Briskin was an economist with an ill-defined, vaguely explained plan for manipulation of world society. (I liked the wordly Barr not being at all interested in participating in conspiracies and slow to believe he is fighting one.) Briskin uses immortality as a way of ensuring subordinate loyalty. But the end is a bit rushed, and we don’t get much detail on Briskin’s plan. Barr and Marconi close the novel by stating the immortal existence has dimensions yet to be revealed.
I wish Haldeman would have pursed this world in future books.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Garrison0550
I've read a lot of Haldeman's books and this one is, by far, my favorite.
LibraryThing member teknognome
A good, compelling read. The strange biology came out of nowhere at the end, and didn't seem necessary to resolve the plot. But the resolution worked anyway, even if it was given somewhat more cursory attention than the rest of the plot.
LibraryThing member zyphax
Repeatedly referred to women as "slits". DNF.
LibraryThing member renbedell
A fun SF story about a well-thought out immortality and it's effect on personality, society, and financials. The book has plenty of story, action, and plot twists that keep it very interesting as the science is broken down. The characters are great, but don't hold too much personality. While it is
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a very good book, it is not as good as Forever War. SF fans should still check out this book though. Show Less
LibraryThing member ikeman100
Great writer but mediocre book. Maybe I just expect more from a writer I usually like. I found his tale of future elite society to be tiring and uninteresting. I don't care if can't live forever.
Awards
Prometheus Award (Nominee — Novel — 1990)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1989
Physical description
304 p.; 17.4 cm
ISBN
0450535363 / 9780450535369
Local notes
Omslag: Ikke angivet
Omslaget viser to hænder, der trykkes sammen på en baggrund af små prikker
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
Omslaget viser to hænder, der trykkes sammen på en baggrund af små prikker
Indskannet omslag - N650U - 150 dpi
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Pages
304
DDC/MDS
| 813.54 |