About:
Algis Budrys' 'Who?' is a Cold War era science fiction novel that delves into the high-stakes world of espionage and counter-espionage amidst the looming threat of nuclear annihilation. The story follows American physicist Dr. Lucas Martino, who is abducted by the Soviets and returned with metal parts after an alleged explosion. The novel explores the challenges of identifying the true identity of a man whose face is now obscured by metal, raising questions of loyalty, trust, and national security during a time of heightened paranoia.
The narrative skillfully navigates themes of identity, sacrifice, and suspicion, drawing parallels between the Cold War era and contemporary issues. Through a blend of drama, thriller elements, and thought-provoking scenarios, 'Who?' presents a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged with its intelligent storytelling and well-drawn characters facing a nightmarish predicament.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
From The Publisher:
Set against a backdrop of Cold War paranoia, this futuristic novel about identity and technology is "one of the unrecognized classics of SF" ( Locus ).
East and West have fused into separate superstates known as the Allied National Government (ANG) and the Soviet International Bloc (SIB). As the Cold War rages, brilliant scientist Lucas Martino works on a top-secret project known only as K-Eighty-eight that could alter the balance of world power. The project goes horribly awry at an Allied research facility near the Soviet border, and Martino is abducted. After several months of tense negotiations, he returns severely injured from the lab explosion, and under pressure from America, undergoes extensive reconstructive surgery. He has a mechanical arm. His polished metal skull-a kind of craniofacial prosthesis-contains few discernable features. Several of his internal organs are artificial. While his fingerprints are identified as belonging to Lucas Martino, they could be the result of transplant. Is he the real Martino? Or a technologically altered imposter sent by America's enemies for the purpose of spying and infiltration? Tasked with uncovering the truth, ANG Security Chief Shawn Rogers makes some shocking discoveries.
Narrated in chapters alternating between Rogers and Martino, Who? poses existential questions about the human condition.
What can you read after
Who??
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
