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More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon Review

Title: More Than Human

Author: Theodore Sturgeon

First published October 1, 1953

186 pages, Paperback

ISBN: 9780375703713 (ISBN10: 0375703713)

Rating: 3.95

Overview

As a legal journalist with a reputation for asking tough questions, Lee Strobel was confident that the claims made about Jesus were nothing more than fanciful tales. After all, miracles and rising from the dead seemed more like myths than facts.

But Strobel knew that he needed to investigate the matter thoroughly before jumping to conclusions. As an atheist, he was determined to prove that Christianity was nothing more than a house of cards.

What he discovered, however, was nothing short of remarkable. In The Case for Christ, Strobel retraces his journey from skepticism to faith, consulting expert testimony from history, science, psychiatry, literature, and religion.

What he found will astound you. The evidence is compelling and the facts are in.

Now it’s up to you to decide what your verdict will be.

About the Author

Theodore Sturgeon, a prominent figure in contemporary science fiction and dark fantasy, is often referred to as one of the godfathers of these genres. The author of several highly regarded short stories and novels, including the classics More Than Human, Venus Plus X, and To Marry Medusa, Sturgeon was also a television writer.

He is best known for his contributions to the original Star Trek series, during which he created the Vulcan mating ritual and the famous phrase “Live long and prosper.” Additionally, Sturgeon is credited with inspiring Kurt Vonnegut’s recurring fictional character Kilgore Trout.

Sturgeon’s considerable talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, and the International Fantasy Award. In 2000, he received a posthumous World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, cementing his status as a significant figure in the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Editoral Review

Theodore Sturgeon’s novel “More Than Human” is a timeless exploration of what it means to be human. Originally published in 1953, the novel has remained relevant throughout the decades, continuing to captivate readers with its unique blend of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical musings.

Sturgeon was a prolific writer who contributed numerous works to the genre of speculative fiction, but “More Than Human” stands out as a powerful and enduring masterpiece. The novel tells the story of a group of individuals who discover that, together, they possess powerful psychic abilities that transcend human limitations.

The characters struggle to understand and harness their powers, confronting the complexity of their existence and the existential questions that arise. The narrative is expertly woven, with the characters’ individual stories coming together to form a cohesive and powerful whole.

One of the book’s strengths is its character development. Sturgeon imbues each character with a distinct personality and history, creating a diverse and memorable cast.

The depth and complexity of the characters serve to highlight the themes of the novel, emphasizing the ways in which our individual experiences shape our understanding of ourselves and others. Another noteworthy aspect of the book is the way it tackles big philosophical questions in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.

Sturgeon grapples with the question of what it means to be human, exploring the blurry line between humanity and something else entirely. Through his characters, he asks whether our evolution will be physical, mental, or both, and whether we can ultimately transcend our limitations.

In terms of style, Sturgeon’s writing is poetic and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the characters and setting to life. His prose is often hauntingly beautiful, imbuing even the darkest moments with a sense of lyricism and grace.

Overall, “More Than Human” is a remarkable work of speculative fiction that stands the test of time. Its themes are just as relevant today as they were in 1953, and its characters continue to resonate with readers across generations.

The book is a must-read for fans of the genre, but its appeal extends far beyond that niche. Anyone who is interested in what it means to be human, and what lies beyond our current understanding of consciousness, should pick up this book without hesitation.

Rating: 9.5/10

Target audience: Fans of speculative fiction, philosophical explorations of what it means to be human, and anyone who appreciates poetic and evocative writing.

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