Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Vintage (1996), Edition: Reprint, 258 pages
Description
Marooned in outer space after an attack on his ship, Nomad, Gulliver Foyle lives to obsessively pursue the crew of a rescue vessel that had intended to leave him to die. When it comes to pop culture, Alfred Bester (1913-1987) is something of an unsung hero. He wrote radio scripts, screenplays, and comic books (in which capacity he created the original Green Lantern Oath). But Bester is best known for his science fiction novels, and The Stars My Destination may be his finest creation. With its sly potshotting at corporate skullduggery, The Stars My Destination seems utterly contemporary, and has maintained its status as an underground classic for over fifty years.
User reviews
LibraryThing member TadAD
As of this moment, this book has a rating of 4.11 stars on LibraryThing, a reasonably impressive score.
I find that fact somewhat mind-boggling. At the same time, I don't.
That first reaction comes from the fact that this book is dated. Maybe not as much as something of the type written by E. E.
On the other hand, there is something timeless about an obsessed anti-hero who will stop at absolutely nothing for revenge. A world controlled by corporations eager to extract the last bit of profit, run by amoral super-rich who are immune to the law (or, more accurately, have purchased it) has lost none of its appeal. In fact, it's one of the foundations of cyberpunk (this novel often being cited as one of the prototypes of that genre).
And last, but perhaps not least—and let me warn you right here that there's a ton of cynicism in this paragraph—this book regularly makes its way onto "Greatest Science Fiction" lists. It's cited as seminal by some famous authors. It gets referenced in other science fiction books. It's often compared to The Count of Monte Cristo in its theme of an ordinary man driven to genius by revenge. Heck, as I said above, it's seminal cyberpunk! In true Emperor's New Clothes fashion, who wants to be the one to say, "I don't think so"?
The way to reconcile the left and right hand here is to realize that this book needs to come with a warning label: "It's exciting. It's colorful. It's visceral. But you must work to find any that." Because of our changing culture, Bester doesn't hand it to you. You're going to have to imagine and visualize and think about it. In other words, you're going to have to make yourself into a 1950s reader.
Am I going to give it a 4-star rating? No. That's too unconditional a rating for me. If you really like science fiction and are perfectly willing to force yourself to read it with a mindset of a half century ago, then give this a try; it's a damn good read. If not, ignore those "Greatest" lists and read something more modern.
I find that fact somewhat mind-boggling. At the same time, I don't.
That first reaction comes from the fact that this book is dated. Maybe not as much as something of the type written by E. E.
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"Doc" Smith—it is, after all, very much soft science fiction about psychological and social issues rather than hard science fiction focused on technology. However, the techno-socio vision clearly didn't even capture the commonplace physical world of the late 20th century, much less what might occur in the 25th century in which it is set. The language in which it is written has that same slightly-artificial, somewhat stilted tone that sets "The Big Sleep" off from "The Godfather". The simplicity of Gully's obsession and the responses of those faced with it can seem shallow to those who have read of a Hannibal Lecter. And the circumlocutory reticence that averts its eyes from the sex, euphemizes the violence, and throws up its hands altogether when they meld in what is a plot-important rape scene just seems awkward in this Internet age.On the other hand, there is something timeless about an obsessed anti-hero who will stop at absolutely nothing for revenge. A world controlled by corporations eager to extract the last bit of profit, run by amoral super-rich who are immune to the law (or, more accurately, have purchased it) has lost none of its appeal. In fact, it's one of the foundations of cyberpunk (this novel often being cited as one of the prototypes of that genre).
And last, but perhaps not least—and let me warn you right here that there's a ton of cynicism in this paragraph—this book regularly makes its way onto "Greatest Science Fiction" lists. It's cited as seminal by some famous authors. It gets referenced in other science fiction books. It's often compared to The Count of Monte Cristo in its theme of an ordinary man driven to genius by revenge. Heck, as I said above, it's seminal cyberpunk! In true Emperor's New Clothes fashion, who wants to be the one to say, "I don't think so"?
The way to reconcile the left and right hand here is to realize that this book needs to come with a warning label: "It's exciting. It's colorful. It's visceral. But you must work to find any that." Because of our changing culture, Bester doesn't hand it to you. You're going to have to imagine and visualize and think about it. In other words, you're going to have to make yourself into a 1950s reader.
Am I going to give it a 4-star rating? No. That's too unconditional a rating for me. If you really like science fiction and are perfectly willing to force yourself to read it with a mindset of a half century ago, then give this a try; it's a damn good read. If not, ignore those "Greatest" lists and read something more modern.
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LibraryThing member DirtPriest
Finally I get to read a scifi classic, and on a fancy new eReader to boot. Bester's famous story is a gripping and entertaining tale of rage and hatred culminating in a realization of the ills and destructive behaviors of those emotions.
Gulliver Foyle is left for dead on the Nomad after a space
Alfred Bester is one of the finest of the vintage scifi crowd and anything of his it at worst pretty good. He at one point decided that he had said all that he wanted to say in the science fiction arena and went on to write for both TV and magazines, so his body of work isn't that big. His The Demolished Man won the first Hugo Award and is also a great story.
Gulliver Foyle is left for dead on the Nomad after a space
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fight. A ship responds to his hails for rescue but turns away, sending Foyle on the path of revenge. Layer after layer of intrigue and suspense open in each new chapter as a race to prevent a final destruction via war between the Inner Planets and Outer Satellites and ends with each single human being personally responsible for the survival of the species. How's that for a combination tease/review. Very good vintage science fiction. Oh, it also can be found under the title 'Tiger, Tiger'.Alfred Bester is one of the finest of the vintage scifi crowd and anything of his it at worst pretty good. He at one point decided that he had said all that he wanted to say in the science fiction arena and went on to write for both TV and magazines, so his body of work isn't that big. His The Demolished Man won the first Hugo Award and is also a great story.
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LibraryThing member wishanem
Have you read "The Count of Monte Cristo?" If not, skip this and read that instead. Both are stories of revenge, but the Count isn't is never as loathsome and idiotic as the protagonist of "The Stars, My Destination." Over the course of the story he evolved from a horrible criminal who
The book introduced some great female characters. Specifically, an heiress who sees only in the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, a misandrist career criminal, and a "one-way" psychic caught on the wrong side of enemy lines. They all had interesting personalities and histories, right up to the point where they invariably and inexplicably became romantically attracted to the protagonist. At that point each of them lost all distinguishing personality traits and became exactly the same: An emotional yoyo alternating between saccharine declarations of love and murderous rage. What makes this most maddening is that these women were the best characters in the book before the protagonist got in their business. In the end the women had precisely zero influence on the climax of the story. When all of the books plotlines converged, a mechanical drinks dispenser was more important than any of them. In fact, none of them were even present during the climatic sequence.
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indiscriminately hurt others to a different kind of horrible criminal. At the very climax of the story he completed one psuedo-heroic act, and then... the book ended. The book introduced some great female characters. Specifically, an heiress who sees only in the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum, a misandrist career criminal, and a "one-way" psychic caught on the wrong side of enemy lines. They all had interesting personalities and histories, right up to the point where they invariably and inexplicably became romantically attracted to the protagonist. At that point each of them lost all distinguishing personality traits and became exactly the same: An emotional yoyo alternating between saccharine declarations of love and murderous rage. What makes this most maddening is that these women were the best characters in the book before the protagonist got in their business. In the end the women had precisely zero influence on the climax of the story. When all of the books plotlines converged, a mechanical drinks dispenser was more important than any of them. In fact, none of them were even present during the climatic sequence.
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LibraryThing member baswood
Gully Foyle is my name
Terra is my nation
Deep space is my dwelling place
And Deaths my destination
Gully Foyle is the hero of Alfred Bester's The Stars my Destination and we first meet him trapped in a small air-locked compartment of a wrecked spaceship; he is the only survivor. The nursery jingle
Gouffre Martel. Darkness
Under the rock and earth a voice
Lying your tigerface blazing in the dark
Listening to her
Your mind still trapped in the broken spaceship
Flaming man appearing like your vengeance
On the beach, in the 3-ring cosmic circus
Your scarred body your tattooed face
Leaping between Aldebaran and Ceres
Eternity at your feet. The stars your destination
The blurb on the front page of my kindle edition says "Considered by many to be the greatest single SF novel" - Samuel R Delaney. While I might not agree with that, even for novels in the "golden age" of 1950's science fiction it does combine many of the aspects that made this genre so popular with younger readers. It is a rip roaring adventure story, the hero is placed in a number of seemingly impossible situations, there is intrigue and mystery and a denouement that many would not see coming. In addition to this it has a central idea that has that sense of wonder that permeates the story. The idea that humans in the 25 century can "jaunt" that is can teleport themselves if they can know and remember the exact co-ordinates of their destination and their jumping off point. This relatively new discovery that most people can master with a bit of practice has led to social problems with people anxious to keep teleporters or jaunters out of their property. The 25th century finds the human race masters of the inhabitable worlds of the solar system, but greed and corruption has led to a society where the fittest are able to enjoy the limited resources.
Gully Foyle is a 3rd class mechanic on a spaceship, he is devoid of ambition, but an incident where he is denied a rescue attempt when he is in a desperate situation has galvanised him to seek revenge and unlocked parts of his mind that has lain dormant. He embarks on a series of adventures and pits his wits against some of the most powerful men on earth, not always remaining one step ahead. His brute force carries him through, but there is plenty of collateral damage along the way.
It is 1950's science fiction and so revenge is a driving force for many of the characters: it is a fast paced but sexism and racism is for the most part not too obvious, but it is a thriller and so character development is not a prime consideration. There is much going on and Bester's fertile imagination and ability to move the action along and create some good situations make this an exciting read. 4.5 stars.
Terra is my nation
Deep space is my dwelling place
And Deaths my destination
Gully Foyle is the hero of Alfred Bester's The Stars my Destination and we first meet him trapped in a small air-locked compartment of a wrecked spaceship; he is the only survivor. The nursery jingle
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from his child hood passes through his ravelling mind. Bester's science fiction classic published in 1956 was so well known that in 1968 the Liverpool Poet Adrian Henri was able to publish a poem based on a section from the novel. Starting with the Chapter where Gully Foyle is imprisoned in the caves of Gouffre Martel in South West France:Gouffre Martel. Darkness
Under the rock and earth a voice
Lying your tigerface blazing in the dark
Listening to her
Your mind still trapped in the broken spaceship
Flaming man appearing like your vengeance
On the beach, in the 3-ring cosmic circus
Your scarred body your tattooed face
Leaping between Aldebaran and Ceres
Eternity at your feet. The stars your destination
The blurb on the front page of my kindle edition says "Considered by many to be the greatest single SF novel" - Samuel R Delaney. While I might not agree with that, even for novels in the "golden age" of 1950's science fiction it does combine many of the aspects that made this genre so popular with younger readers. It is a rip roaring adventure story, the hero is placed in a number of seemingly impossible situations, there is intrigue and mystery and a denouement that many would not see coming. In addition to this it has a central idea that has that sense of wonder that permeates the story. The idea that humans in the 25 century can "jaunt" that is can teleport themselves if they can know and remember the exact co-ordinates of their destination and their jumping off point. This relatively new discovery that most people can master with a bit of practice has led to social problems with people anxious to keep teleporters or jaunters out of their property. The 25th century finds the human race masters of the inhabitable worlds of the solar system, but greed and corruption has led to a society where the fittest are able to enjoy the limited resources.
Gully Foyle is a 3rd class mechanic on a spaceship, he is devoid of ambition, but an incident where he is denied a rescue attempt when he is in a desperate situation has galvanised him to seek revenge and unlocked parts of his mind that has lain dormant. He embarks on a series of adventures and pits his wits against some of the most powerful men on earth, not always remaining one step ahead. His brute force carries him through, but there is plenty of collateral damage along the way.
It is 1950's science fiction and so revenge is a driving force for many of the characters: it is a fast paced but sexism and racism is for the most part not too obvious, but it is a thriller and so character development is not a prime consideration. There is much going on and Bester's fertile imagination and ability to move the action along and create some good situations make this an exciting read. 4.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member jwhenderson
I was spurred to reread this book through participation in a Science Fiction reading group that started as an offshoot of a class I took last year. This book is one of the best that the group has read yet and it remains one of my favorites for a varity of reasons. The first of these reasons is the
The opening section depicting the discovery of "jaunting", a form of teleportation, is brilliant both in imagination and execution of the idea. It is followed by the elements of what would become, more than a decade later, known as "cyberpunk", along with mythic references, sensational satire, and a touch of synesthesia for extra effect. The hero Gully Foyle, at the beginning ("Education: None. Skills: None. Merits: None. Recommendations: None." on his Merchant Marine Card) is unremarkable in almost every aspect. His growth, however, is made interesting and more than exciting by both his exploits and his interplanetary travels. The characters he meets from "The Scientific People" to the exotic Jisbella McQueen, "hot-tempered, independent, intelligent" and someone who liked to "smash all the rules"(p 74), are further demonstration of the imaginative heft of the story.
Reading this book reminded me why I enjoy science fiction. Whether it is "the greatest single SF novel", as Samuel Delaney claimed (he modestly excluded his own Dahlgren which could be considered a contender for the title), it is certainly a magnificent representative of the genre. I will end with the motto of Gully Foyle, or is it his epitaph?
Gully Foyle is my name
And Terra is my nation.
Deep space is my dwelling place,
The stars my destination.
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source material for the plot, since Bester adapted Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. This is also one of my favorite novels from my early years of reading and the revenge aspect of the Bester's novel rivals that of Dumas' romance. However, it is his imagination that soars and surprises the reader at every turn of the The Stars My Destination.The opening section depicting the discovery of "jaunting", a form of teleportation, is brilliant both in imagination and execution of the idea. It is followed by the elements of what would become, more than a decade later, known as "cyberpunk", along with mythic references, sensational satire, and a touch of synesthesia for extra effect. The hero Gully Foyle, at the beginning ("Education: None. Skills: None. Merits: None. Recommendations: None." on his Merchant Marine Card) is unremarkable in almost every aspect. His growth, however, is made interesting and more than exciting by both his exploits and his interplanetary travels. The characters he meets from "The Scientific People" to the exotic Jisbella McQueen, "hot-tempered, independent, intelligent" and someone who liked to "smash all the rules"(p 74), are further demonstration of the imaginative heft of the story.
Reading this book reminded me why I enjoy science fiction. Whether it is "the greatest single SF novel", as Samuel Delaney claimed (he modestly excluded his own Dahlgren which could be considered a contender for the title), it is certainly a magnificent representative of the genre. I will end with the motto of Gully Foyle, or is it his epitaph?
Gully Foyle is my name
And Terra is my nation.
Deep space is my dwelling place,
The stars my destination.
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LibraryThing member Michael.Rimmer
I intensely disliked main character, Gulliver Foyle, as an individual and really wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, but about a third through I started thinking of him as a personification of the struggle of the lumpenproletariat to achieve class consciousness, and that seemed to work for me,
A couple of the names struck me as being symbolic, though I'm struggling to fully integrate them, so maybe I'm pareidolically seeing what's not there:
• Gulliver Foyle - Gullible Foil - Gullible Fool
• Presteign - Pristine - Prestige - Priest-Stain
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though I wasn't sure if that was Bester's intention. Ultimately, it did work that way for me, and the story is, if imperfectly, a dramatised sci-fi setting of Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed, the "cosmic" ending symbolising Foyle's awakening to his potential as a revolutionary liberationist figurehead. It was worth sticking with.A couple of the names struck me as being symbolic, though I'm struggling to fully integrate them, so maybe I'm pareidolically seeing what's not there:
• Gulliver Foyle - Gullible Foil - Gullible Fool
• Presteign - Pristine - Prestige - Priest-Stain
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LibraryThing member wearyhobo
Really mediocre. The cover promised that some people consider it the single best science fiction novel of all time. I don't know who those people are, but they're wrong. The book has positive attributes, in particular Bester's depiction of the social and economic chaos caused by an advance in human
But as for the story, and the protagonist? The lead character is simply unbelievable. I don't buy him in the slightest. And the story is not terribly compelling. I've learned that good stories and characters have arcs. Note the word: it implies a certain smoothness, a continuity. No such thing exists here: the protagonist is a binary creature -- he begins the novel at point A and at some point he turns into point B, but we never see the change, we just see A and B. And the plot sort of proceeds the same way, in fits and starts, like a step function rather than a nice smooth continuous one.
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understanding resulting the ability of nearly everyone to teleport.But as for the story, and the protagonist? The lead character is simply unbelievable. I don't buy him in the slightest. And the story is not terribly compelling. I've learned that good stories and characters have arcs. Note the word: it implies a certain smoothness, a continuity. No such thing exists here: the protagonist is a binary creature -- he begins the novel at point A and at some point he turns into point B, but we never see the change, we just see A and B. And the plot sort of proceeds the same way, in fits and starts, like a step function rather than a nice smooth continuous one.
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LibraryThing member duhrer
Reading "The Demolished Man" got me in the mood, so I reread "The Stars My Destination" on my way back home.
The central conceit of the work is human teleportation, not through technology, but through force of will, and as is a recurring theme in these reviews, a fair amount of the details of the
Gully Foyle's driven journey to higher and higher levels of awareness is timeless, and his growth is always believably the result of exploration, discipline, instruction, and takes time. Gully Foyle and most of Bester's major characters are imaginative, adaptive, driven, playful, and believably flawed in both subtle and gross ways. Bester also has a fine sense of narrative. The plot does not march in lock step towards a clear ending, but does not wander aimlessly either. Each short term curve reconnects with the larger narrative in a satisfying way, and yet does not feel simplistic or contrived.
The central conceit of the work is human teleportation, not through technology, but through force of will, and as is a recurring theme in these reviews, a fair amount of the details of the
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world depicted are everyday concepts rearranged in reaction to the central conceit. What sets "The Stars My Destination" apart is the nuanced interactions, the character growth, and the continued focus on the future not only as a place for new technologies, but as a place for new states of human awareness and development.Gully Foyle's driven journey to higher and higher levels of awareness is timeless, and his growth is always believably the result of exploration, discipline, instruction, and takes time. Gully Foyle and most of Bester's major characters are imaginative, adaptive, driven, playful, and believably flawed in both subtle and gross ways. Bester also has a fine sense of narrative. The plot does not march in lock step towards a clear ending, but does not wander aimlessly either. Each short term curve reconnects with the larger narrative in a satisfying way, and yet does not feel simplistic or contrived.
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LibraryThing member elenchus
The non-stop adventure classic that you won't want to end -- and you won't ever forget!
Well, certainly I recognised The Stars My Destination as a classic title, even in the 1980s when I read the most in the genre, but it seemed the gravitational attraction never was enough to pull me out of
Yet in the end I found the novel much better than all this might suggest. The achievement isn't centered in the conflict or character, though, it's the world-building. Bester tends to throw in enough ideas to launch three or four novels, but not center the plot around any of them. Each is strong enough to carry the story, but he's not as creative with his plotting or characters. The combination makes for a distinct reading experience, reminiscent of PK Dick, the space left unexplored as impressive as the words spent on them.
Like Sturgeon's More Than Human, Bester relies on an impressive economy of prose. Essentially he sketches a series of separate scenes, which somehow together build a world that is much more realised and provocative than the "boy's adventure" plot itself conveys. I noted at various points potential influences on Banks, or Gibson, whose work I find more memorable and seek out deliberately. The connection may well be more about my reading experience, though, than about any similarities between them.
I have Bester's Demolished Man on my recon list. After this re-read of The Stars My Destination, I'm more likely to pick it up.
Well, certainly I recognised The Stars My Destination as a classic title, even in the 1980s when I read the most in the genre, but it seemed the gravitational attraction never was enough to pull me out of
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whatever trajectory I was already on. That changed when a paperback copy literally landed in my lap. And then, reading the prologue, I immediately recognised Bester's concept of Jaunting, somehow an idea vaguely recollected as stemming from a Golden Age short story I'd once read. The rest of the book, I suppose I must have read -- but I didn't recall any of it. So while it's true an important aspect of the book did stay with me all these decades, contra the cover blurb this isn't a story I didn't ever forget.Yet in the end I found the novel much better than all this might suggest. The achievement isn't centered in the conflict or character, though, it's the world-building. Bester tends to throw in enough ideas to launch three or four novels, but not center the plot around any of them. Each is strong enough to carry the story, but he's not as creative with his plotting or characters. The combination makes for a distinct reading experience, reminiscent of PK Dick, the space left unexplored as impressive as the words spent on them.
Like Sturgeon's More Than Human, Bester relies on an impressive economy of prose. Essentially he sketches a series of separate scenes, which somehow together build a world that is much more realised and provocative than the "boy's adventure" plot itself conveys. I noted at various points potential influences on Banks, or Gibson, whose work I find more memorable and seek out deliberately. The connection may well be more about my reading experience, though, than about any similarities between them.
I have Bester's Demolished Man on my recon list. After this re-read of The Stars My Destination, I'm more likely to pick it up.
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LibraryThing member timspalding
A wonderful book; the first chapter—trapped in the spaceship—completely hooks you.
LibraryThing member CarltonC
Despite, in spite or because of its dated quality, this is still a breathtaking adventure story of a future; a future where “jaunting” allows teleportation between known locations. Our story is about an everyman, Gully Foyle, a mechanic’s mate 3rd class on a 25th century spaceship within the
If you have not read much science fiction, I would imagine that this is an excellent introduction. I read a lot of science fiction, many years ago, and so for me it’s an enjoyable adventure story, fantastic in the old fashioned sense of the word, but for me, it doesn’t stand out from other equally memorable SF books.
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solar system; an everyman who becomes a “tiger” (or driven protagonist), consumed by vengeance, along the lines of The Count of Monte Cristo. Bester maintains an adrenaline rush of relentless pacing, jumping from one scenario to the next, piling up characters, technologies and world building historical background to create a cracking story.If you have not read much science fiction, I would imagine that this is an excellent introduction. I read a lot of science fiction, many years ago, and so for me it’s an enjoyable adventure story, fantastic in the old fashioned sense of the word, but for me, it doesn’t stand out from other equally memorable SF books.
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LibraryThing member m.a.harding
A read a second hand copy of this when I was a kid. Threw it away once read. Didn't remember author or title. But it changed the way I thought.
LibraryThing member dgmillo
A startling scream of a novel that never runs out of breath. A gem of 1950's science fiction. One of Bester's best (the other being The Demolished Man). Prefer the original title tho: Tyger, Tyger.
LibraryThing member clong
I admired the virtuoso storytelling of this book, but could never develop enough empathy with its anti-hero protagonist Gully Foyle to fully engage. Gully is driven by rage and a thirst for vengeance; I can understand when these motives drive a character to do bad things (even if I don't approve),
The Stars My Destination certainly displays the same dazzling imagination and witty use of language that made The Demolished Man such a great book. Surprisingly, for a science fiction book published 50 years ago, the science doesn’t feel particularly dated (which is not to say that the science is in any way plausible, but it clearly isn’t meant to be plausible, it is rather a vehicle to explore character and ethics and society). This book makes limited use of experimental prose (similarly to TDM, if not as effectively). Like TDM, I found the ending a bit of a let down.
This isn't one that I will add to my list of favorites but I can see why it has been so influential and attracted so many fans. Incidentally, this is one where I'd have to say that the UK title makes more sense than the US title.
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but Gully goes far beyond this. And the other characters are generally interesting, but far from likable. The Stars My Destination certainly displays the same dazzling imagination and witty use of language that made The Demolished Man such a great book. Surprisingly, for a science fiction book published 50 years ago, the science doesn’t feel particularly dated (which is not to say that the science is in any way plausible, but it clearly isn’t meant to be plausible, it is rather a vehicle to explore character and ethics and society). This book makes limited use of experimental prose (similarly to TDM, if not as effectively). Like TDM, I found the ending a bit of a let down.
This isn't one that I will add to my list of favorites but I can see why it has been so influential and attracted so many fans. Incidentally, this is one where I'd have to say that the UK title makes more sense than the US title.
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LibraryThing member dczapka
Without question, this is science-fiction of the highest order.
What begins as a pulse-pounding, fast-paced novel -- one with the rare gift of having an incredibly complex plot that somehow avoids being too confusing -- eventually reaches a climax in which time, space, and sense are thrown into a
It's a lightning-fast read, one that seems so simple but blindsides you, like a rapid-fire jaunte around the world, before you can even expect it.
Whether for fun or for provocative thought, this is definitely worth the read.
What begins as a pulse-pounding, fast-paced novel -- one with the rare gift of having an incredibly complex plot that somehow avoids being too confusing -- eventually reaches a climax in which time, space, and sense are thrown into a
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fanatical jumble and we have to slow down and wait, patiently, along with the Scientific People, for an answer that will never come.It's a lightning-fast read, one that seems so simple but blindsides you, like a rapid-fire jaunte around the world, before you can even expect it.
Whether for fun or for provocative thought, this is definitely worth the read.
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LibraryThing member FKarr
A little surprised that Cold War was so little present. Ambivalent view of corporatism (cf Brave New World); enjoyed the touch of absurdity, Bester didn't really seem to think through consequences of jaunting
LibraryThing member Me-chan
This book is a literary version of the car chase scene in the movies, and behind the wheel is a madman of such magnitude I haven't encountered before. What a ride.
LibraryThing member Garelvirat
Bester created here a classic story of revenge spun in an entirely amazing and creative setting with gritty and fantabulous characters. This story follows Gully Foyle, "the stereotype common man", down to the depths and up to the stars and to all the emotions and mindsets in between.
LibraryThing member briandarvell
Alfred Bester's The Stars My Destination is usually considered one of the finest works of science fiction ever created. Although largely forgotten now, it is a highly imaginative piece of work which involves a sort of futuristic dystopia and a man named Gully Foyle who tries to change things based
Alfred Bester stands in a position on the platform of Science Fiction Greats similar to that of Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. The only difference is that he is standing behind them and as such, is largely unheard of.
The Stars My Destination is about a fictional Earth that has become controlled by the huge conglomerate corporations. The planets in the Solar System are all at war and there is much havoc associated with the Human race. The novel deals with the dark nature of people, how technology advancement can lead to a very possessive and materialistic society with an emphasis on classes and minorities and how a lack of real education brings out various powerful yet primitive factions.
An interesting feature in this novel is the use of an evil hero. Gulliver (Gully) Foyle is a criminal, murderer and rapist but manages to attack the present situation he lives in because of past wrongs done to him and although he is a criminal, you still find yourself rallying on his behalf throughout the novel.
This story turned out to be worthy of all its acclaim and is a fun and interesting one to read. The reader should note the curious aspects between the historical situation Alfred Bester lived in and how what he has written is very similar to a path our present society is following in many ways.
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on a questionable frame of mind.Alfred Bester stands in a position on the platform of Science Fiction Greats similar to that of Ray Bradbury, Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. The only difference is that he is standing behind them and as such, is largely unheard of.
The Stars My Destination is about a fictional Earth that has become controlled by the huge conglomerate corporations. The planets in the Solar System are all at war and there is much havoc associated with the Human race. The novel deals with the dark nature of people, how technology advancement can lead to a very possessive and materialistic society with an emphasis on classes and minorities and how a lack of real education brings out various powerful yet primitive factions.
An interesting feature in this novel is the use of an evil hero. Gulliver (Gully) Foyle is a criminal, murderer and rapist but manages to attack the present situation he lives in because of past wrongs done to him and although he is a criminal, you still find yourself rallying on his behalf throughout the novel.
This story turned out to be worthy of all its acclaim and is a fun and interesting one to read. The reader should note the curious aspects between the historical situation Alfred Bester lived in and how what he has written is very similar to a path our present society is following in many ways.
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LibraryThing member LisaMaria_C
I remember loving it when I read it as a teen. Decades later? Well... There are still things I love about it, but for everything I do love, there's a side of it I dislike.
I love a lot of the imagination in this book of a world where everyone "jauntes" ie, teleports, hundreds, even a thousand
Unlike most science-fiction, which centers on an idea or ideas, the novel is just as heavily centered on character, and that's another source of my ambivalence. The story unfolds along the lines of the classic revenge plot, and the man determined to gain that revenge at all costs, Gully Foyle, is one of the most memorable protagonists in science fiction (and contrasted with and pit against some of the strongest and memorable, if problematical, secondary female characters in science fiction, especially remarkable given this book was published in 1956.) Foyle isn't a conventional hero--he starts as a beast. The original and UK title was Tiger! Tiger!, after Blake's poem The Tyger, the first verse of which heads the novel; it fits Foyle. I think how much you might or might not like this book hinges on whether you can buy Foyle's transformation into a thinking creature or empathize with him in any way. In my case, at least at second read, that's a no.
The book is very influential; I've seen claims (including from Neil Gaiman in an introduction) that it's the first cyberpunk novel.
I love a lot of the imagination in this book of a world where everyone "jauntes" ie, teleports, hundreds, even a thousand
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miles, with a thought. (Think Apparates--the amusing thing is even how it's taught, with three buzz words, makes me think of Harry Potter.) Bester's 25th Century is worldbuilding in the best tradition--exotic and thought-provoking--but some aspects strike me as just silly. Unlike most science-fiction, which centers on an idea or ideas, the novel is just as heavily centered on character, and that's another source of my ambivalence. The story unfolds along the lines of the classic revenge plot, and the man determined to gain that revenge at all costs, Gully Foyle, is one of the most memorable protagonists in science fiction (and contrasted with and pit against some of the strongest and memorable, if problematical, secondary female characters in science fiction, especially remarkable given this book was published in 1956.) Foyle isn't a conventional hero--he starts as a beast. The original and UK title was Tiger! Tiger!, after Blake's poem The Tyger, the first verse of which heads the novel; it fits Foyle. I think how much you might or might not like this book hinges on whether you can buy Foyle's transformation into a thinking creature or empathize with him in any way. In my case, at least at second read, that's a no.
The book is very influential; I've seen claims (including from Neil Gaiman in an introduction) that it's the first cyberpunk novel.
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LibraryThing member Radaghast
It's easy to understand why The Stars My Destination is a landmark sci-fi novel. Like the Demolished Man, Bester helped form what we think of as modern sci-fi, with a focus on story elements rather than on fantastic technology. The Stars My Destination is the story of Gulliver Foyle, an average man
Sounds like a great premise right? And it is. Bester, however, doesn't quite live up to it. The beginning sequences are amazing, detailing Foyle's daily life on this destroyed vessel. The tension in these scenes is amazing. You really want to see how he's going to escape, and kill those that abandoned him. As the story progresses however, this quest of vengeance becomes almost secondary as Foyle gets embroiled in solar system politics. The new direction is not uninteresting by any means. Still, I was a little let down that this novel was not a sci-fi Counte of Monte Cristo.
Bester throws a lot at you as well. Space travel isn't the only marvel of the future. ESP, teleportation, genetic engineering, etc. are all part of Bester's future world, some of them with thin explanations. The story gets a little messy at times, although it is never difficult to follow. Bester likes fast-paced action, which allows you to ignore some of the flaws in the story. Given the time in which it was written, Bester put together a pretty great novel, and I can see why it was so popular when it was written, given the type of sci-fi written just before this period.
The only part that I could not forgive was the ending. There wasn't one, at least, not one that made any sense or gave the story closure. I won't reveal it, but be prepared for a great ride that ends in disappointment if you read this book.
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in almost every way, who is trapped on a destroyed starship, the last survivor onboard. Foyle struggles to live, slowly unraveling as he ekes out his existence. Then finally he sees a ship fly close by. It seems rescue is at hand, until the ship sees him, and keeps going. Foyle vows to survive somehow, and to have his revenge.Sounds like a great premise right? And it is. Bester, however, doesn't quite live up to it. The beginning sequences are amazing, detailing Foyle's daily life on this destroyed vessel. The tension in these scenes is amazing. You really want to see how he's going to escape, and kill those that abandoned him. As the story progresses however, this quest of vengeance becomes almost secondary as Foyle gets embroiled in solar system politics. The new direction is not uninteresting by any means. Still, I was a little let down that this novel was not a sci-fi Counte of Monte Cristo.
Bester throws a lot at you as well. Space travel isn't the only marvel of the future. ESP, teleportation, genetic engineering, etc. are all part of Bester's future world, some of them with thin explanations. The story gets a little messy at times, although it is never difficult to follow. Bester likes fast-paced action, which allows you to ignore some of the flaws in the story. Given the time in which it was written, Bester put together a pretty great novel, and I can see why it was so popular when it was written, given the type of sci-fi written just before this period.
The only part that I could not forgive was the ending. There wasn't one, at least, not one that made any sense or gave the story closure. I won't reveal it, but be prepared for a great ride that ends in disappointment if you read this book.
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LibraryThing member auntmarge64
Brilliant but not very pleasant SF classic in which a wronged everyman wrecks vengeance in a future where humans can instantly transport themselves around the globe. Written in the 1950s, the book has aged very, very well, with just a few anachronistic references to break the spell. You'll be
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dazzled by Bester's vision, but don't expect to like any, and I mean any, of the characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member HellCold
Horrendous, zero quality drivel, from start to end. It showed how bad it was from the first few pages, but then I made the mistake of forcing myself to read it to the end, just to discover why many people gave it good reviews.
There is absolutely no reason I can think of why anyone might find this
There is absolutely no reason I can think of why anyone might find this
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book enjoyable. It's one of the worst I've ever read. Show Less
LibraryThing member george1001
Very entertaining space opera. Didn't find it particularly believable however.
LibraryThing member betula.alba
Possible spoiler alert.
Good writer. Even though it was written in the 50's, Tiger Tiger! is not dated. Bester was ahead of his time, and should maybe be considered the first 'cyberpunk' author. The protagonist is dark predator, who finds his conscience after being confronted with his nemesis. Even
Good writer. Even though it was written in the 50's, Tiger Tiger! is not dated. Bester was ahead of his time, and should maybe be considered the first 'cyberpunk' author. The protagonist is dark predator, who finds his conscience after being confronted with his nemesis. Even
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though there is nothing likeable about Gully Foyle, it is hard to put the book down. Haunting, dreamlike ending. Negatives: Gullys tranformation into Geoffrey Fourmyle seemed out of character, and the end leaves you wanting, needing closure. Features: 'jaunting' (teleporting), as well as telepaths and telesends. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Locus All-Time Best (Science Fiction Novel — 6 — 1998)
The Guardian 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (Science Fiction and Fantasy)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1956-06-14
Physical description
258 p.; 5.1 inches
ISBN
0679767800 / 9780679767800