The Stars My Destination ~Alfred Bester
–published 1956, originally as a 4 part serial in Galaxy Magazine
–212 pages, SFBC 50th Anniversary Collection
–5/5 stars
REVIEW SUMMARY: A must-read classic science fiction re-imagining of the Count of Monte Cristo, yet so much more.
BRIEF SYNOPSIS: Gulliver Foyle, sleep-walking through his existence, is awakened to his full, monstrous potential when his derelict ship, adrift in space, is ignored by the passing vessel, Vorga, and he is left to die. This catalyst propels Foyle on a course of vengeance that will shape the future of an entire galaxy.
THE GOOD: A page-turner. Surprisingly contemporary 60+ years after its release. Engaging anti-hero. Introduction of the concept of jaunting–planet-bound teleportation controlled by thought–which dramatically changes the planets’ economic and social structure. Thought-provoking and exciting vision of the future.
THE BAD: One small portion of the ever-escalating climax is conceptually odd; the denouement could have been a few pages longer.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The Stars My Destination is a book that all science fiction fans should read simply because it is a classic worth reading. It maintains its relevancy and should appeal to those who prefer to read more contemporary science fiction as well. This is also a book I would recommend for those who do not consider themselves fans of science fiction but enjoy a good story. It is an accesible, fast-paced story with enough thought-provoking material to appeal to those who like a good story with a little meat to it.
Highly recommended!
To those of you who followed the jump, welcome!
In past years I was a notorious re-reader. It is safe to say that a high percentage of my annual reading was made up of time spent with favorite books. My personal exposure to book blogs has increased my TBR pile so significantly that it has been two years or more since the last time I picked up one of my previously read books for a re-read (this is excepting listening to Neil Gaiman read his stories nearly every year). For this year’s Sci Fi Experience I decided it was high time I reread The Stars My Destination, a book that I first enjoyed in early 2007 and never did a proper review on.
Why break my non-re-reading fast with this Alfred Bester classic?
Because it is a damn good read!
212 pages seems like a very slight novel in comparison with today’s doorstops, but those 212 pages are so packed with adventure and ideas that the best review I can actually give of the novel is to tell you to read it for yourself.
The opening chapter describing how the ability to jaunte was first discovered is all it takes to get you hooked. In this novel and in The Demolished Man, Bester proves himself a master in his ability to pull the reader right into this future vision of the world. From that point on you are swept away.
Whether it was intentional or not, Bester uses the foundation of what most know about Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo to showcase a character that at first is neither likable or unlikeable. He just is. Gulliver Foyle, “Gully”, with his use of gutter-level speech and his unremarkable nature, is a character that you would simply pass over where it not for the fact that you and he are alone after the prologue. And what a scene that is! I felt claustrophobic envisioning it as I read. A betrayal of sorts soon follows and the spark that it ignites in Gully Foyle brings a Cristo-like vengeance to bear on the rest of the novel. Gully Foyle is a flawed character, but unlike the protagonist in The Demolished Man, Foyle becomes someone that readers can relate to as his story progresses. The reader is allowed to see some growth in Foyle though it is done in a way that maintains the character’s integrity. This isn’t a dark to light ‘miraculous’ transformation. The progression of Foyle’s vengeance and the growth that occurs feels genuine.
In The Stars My Destination (arguably one of the coolest book titles ever…though the original title for the story was Tiger!Tiger!) Bester introduces a vision of the future that seems plausible despite its implausibility. Science has not discovered a way for us to transport ourselves for miles and miles at the speed of thought nor do we have telepaths, reading our minds and speaking to us with thought, but the impact that those science fictional concepts have on the world are very plausible and relevant, especially if considered in light of the current economic and environmental crisis.
The Stars My Destination is the kind of story that you hope to discuss with others who have read it. It is the kind of story that you hope others will take a chance on. I cannot guarantee that it will transform your life or change your views on classic science fiction. To use more current vernacular, I think the story ‘rocks’. The climax is full of twists and turns and revelations. I do not feel that I am risking my credibility or your time in encouraging you to find a copy and devour it.
Gully Foyle is my name
And Terra is my nation
Deep space is my dwelling place
The stars my destination
Oh this sounds like a great read! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of it before. And I agree on what a cool title it has. I may have to pick this one up for the Sci-Fi Challenge. Thanks!
On this wish list this does go! Thanks for the rec, Carl!
Best. Book. Ever.
I love The Stars My Destination! There was a point at which I thought it grew a tiny bit tiresome, but the fast-paced ending worked for me. I felt like I’d just been thrown off a cliff, but in a good way. Is there a good way to be thrown off a cliff? I guess with a parachute. LOL The edition you’ve got is gorgeous!!!
Bester’s entire catalog is essential, but tSMD, The Demolished Man, and The Deceivers are downright mandatory.
The Stars My Destination is my all time favorite SF book! It’s very gratifying to find somebody with the same enthusiasm for it as I have. I always have a spare copy on hand to give out to friends, family and co-workers and I always insist they pass it on to somebody they know. I think I’ve given out at lest 7 copies.
You’re absolutely right about the prologue. How can you not read the book after that intro?
Excellent book. Your reviews follows mine by (almost) exactly 2 years: http://www.sfsignal.com/archives/2007/01/review-the-stars-my-destination-by-alfred-bester/
John D: I remember that now that you said it because I think I read it pretty close to the same time you did and remember seeing your review. Not sure why I didn’t comment. Cool to see that John Joseph Adams is very consistent with his opinion of the book! 🙂
Dave: I can certainly see why it is a book to have on hand to give away. I may have to start looking for cheap copies at Half Price Books so that I can do the same thing.
Eric: I’ve read, and really enjoyed, Demolished Man, but have not read Deceivers.
Nancy: You are probably correct, with a parachute would be the only good way to get thrown off a cliff! I do know what you mean though. The part where he goes into detail about his senses getting mixed up goes on a bit too long for me to be completely satisfied with it but other than that minor quibble I think the rest of the story is gripping.
John Joseph Adams: Thanks for stopping by. Your review is the best I’ve read for Stars. Sums it up pretty well!!!
Kailana: I would like to hear what you think of Stars. I’d certainly be curious to see if you like it or not and what your assessment is in comparison with mine.
Amanda: Bester really only came on my radar a few years back. I had heard of this book but didn’t really connect with the author’s name until I started seeing the book on several author’s sites listed as an influence author. I’m glad I took the plunge and decided to check him out as it has led to some of the best sci fi reading experience I’ve ever had.
I’m sure I’ve got this somewhere…
Great review Carl
Awesome cover although not how I would picture the main character after reading this ” damn good read “. I would be curious to see how it read in four serial parts as it orgianlly appeared. I can’t imagine reading fiction that way which is how comman place it was back then. I’d be circling the newstand for days driving the owner crazy waiting for the next issue. I would give it a 5 out of 5 as well.
Jeff: I didn’t think so either, but when I read it this time there is a moment early in the first chapter where Bester describes him looking out over the stars and he is inside his pressure suit, or whatever Bester calls it, so in that sense I think it does actually fit. Certainly not the way he looks for the majority of the book though! 🙂
Bride: find it! read it! 😉
i tell you, carl, i’ve wanted to read this for the longest time but now that i’ve seen the cover for the edition you’re reviewing (and your badass photo of it!) i simply cannot resist!! i HAVE to read it now.
also, i never knew that it had the same essential plot as “the count of monte cristo”! thats one of my favourite novels.
This is one of my favorite sf books EVER. I’m so glad you love it, too! I’ve read it several times, and it holds up to every reread. In fact, your review has made me want to read it again soon!
Darla: That’s great. I can imagine this being one I revisit every so often. Especially as it takes only a couple of years and I forget enough of the details that I can enjoy it all over again.
JP: This book is the reason I briefly joined the SFBC. I really like Donato Giancola’s art and this was such a great cover that I had to get it. And of course once I had it I had to read it. I think you’ll enjoy it.
i just realised in the middle of the night that you’d photographed that cover before! (why that thought occurred to me in the middle of the night, i don’t know. also, why i’m even telling you you’ve posted that pic before i don’t know either. i made a mental note to tell you last night, and, as we all know, resolutions made in the midnight hours aren’t always the most logical ones. i think what i basically wanted to say was that i remembered the pic! 😀 )
JP: You need to be having better dreams!!! 😉
There are a few books that I would take to a desert island, and “Tiger,Tiger” is one of them. I prefer the original title.
I brought the book in early 1976,and have replaced it many times after giving them away to friends who have been awed by Alfred Bester’s wild vision of the future. His collected short stories and the remarkable “The Demolished Man” was proof that he was a fabulous story teller of the rarest nature who is closer to Mark Twain or Charles Dickens in spirit.Before anybody laughs, their books are still in print long after they departed this world. His closest rival may be Iain M Banks in terms of scope and imagination, but Alfie Bester was in a field of one. He would have loved the Culture
novels….
Will anybody be reading Dan Brown in 2069 ?