The Demolished Man
The Demolished Man
Book Brief
Beta250
Novel • Fiction
Earth And Space • Future
1999
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester is a 1953 science fiction novel set in a future where telepathy is widespread. The story follows a wealthy individual determined to commit a seemingly impossible murder. Themes include crime, guilt, and telepathic detection. The novel explores psychological and societal impacts of mind reading.
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester is widely praised for its innovative narrative and exploration of telepathy. Readers appreciate its fast-paced plot and complex characters, but some criticize it for dated language and occasional lack of depth. Despite minor flaws, it remains a seminal work in science fiction for its originality and psychological depth.
Who Should Read The Demolished Man?
Fans of classic science fiction and psychological thrillers will relish The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester. Comparable to George Orwell's 1984 and Isaac Asimov's Foundation, it captivates readers with its futuristic, mind-bending narrative and explores themes of ambition, telepathy, and human nature.
34,322 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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The Demolished Man is notable for being the first novel to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1953, marking the beginning of a prestigious tradition in science fiction literature.
Alfred Bester's innovative use of typography in The Demolished Man is considered groundbreaking, employing unique textual layouts to represent telepathic communication.
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Inspired by an actual psychological theory, The Demolished Man incorporates Freudian concepts, notably using motifs like the "Oedipus complex," which Bester creatively weaved into the narrative structure.
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Novel • Fiction
Earth And Space • Future
1999
Adult
16-18 years
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