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The Visitor
He wakes up in a different body.
So begins the journey of Ash—short for Pin Asher9919—who awakens on a hospital bed on, he believes, a different planet after an automobile accident took the bodily life of an Earth human named Edward Fleishman. Ash is told he was the victim of a serious brain injury and miraculously recovered from being brain dead in a coma, but Ash feels he knows the his spirit has replaced the distressed spirit of the former Edward Fleishman.
Thus, Ash's new life on earth begins, complete with a spouse who is a stranger to him, a body he is not sure how to use, a world he must learn to navigate, and a government he can't trust.
So begins the journey of Ash—short for Pin Asher9919—who awakens on a hospital bed on, he believes, a different planet after an automobile accident took the bodily life of an Earth human named Edward Fleishman. Ash is told he was the victim of a serious brain injury and miraculously recovered from being brain dead in a coma, but Ash feels he knows the his spirit has replaced the distressed spirit of the former Edward Fleishman.
Thus, Ash's new life on earth begins, complete with a spouse who is a stranger to him, a body he is not sure how to use, a world he must learn to navigate, and a government he can't trust.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2025
2 people are currently reading
About the author
Mitchell Waldman
19 books26 followersMitchell Waldman's latest novel, The Visitor, is now available from All Things That Matter Press! The Visitor is a unique blend of science fiction, social commentary, and human drama. It stands out for its exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition, themes that may resonate with readers of speculative fiction and literary works alike. It may appeal to readers who enjoy introspective narratives and stories that challenge perceptions of reality, much like works of Philip K. Dick of Kashuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Its unique blend of genres and themes may make it a compelling read that stands out in the literary landscape.
His last story collection is entitled Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers. Of the work readers have said "Waldman has crafted a nuanced and engaging collection. His stories set us on an emotional tightrope, daring us to forgo a safety net, while seducing us to look down and discover who we are. Sometimes poignantly devastating, and other times savagely funny, he guides us through family trauma, corporate America, and faithful understanding to remind us if we can be less of a stranger to the world, maybe we can be less of a stranger to ourselves." (Josh Penzone, author of The Court of Vintage Woods: Linked Stories). Readers have also said that "Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers is remarkable for its scope, honesty, imagination, social sensitivity, and moral concern." (Robert Wexelblatt, author of The Thirteenth Studebaker, Hsi-wei Tales, etc.) And it has been said that "[i]n Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers, Waldman explores masculinity, but not stereotypical masculinity. In these stories, you will see men battling their memories and emotions as they attempt to come to grips with their pasts and make a way for their lives. Waldman sets his work in reality with a dash of fantasy and the occasional twist ending. Waldman is doing something special in the short story form, and his stories will entertain, enlighten, and elate." (Hardy Jones, author of Resurrection of Childhood: A Memoir, and Every Bitter Thing). The Academy of the Heart and Mind recently said of Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers that "Waldman’s short story collection will resonate with readers who are seeking a deep dive into how others have a massive influence on the people we are inside and out." For more information on the book, visit https://mitchwaldman.homestead.com/Br... . )
Waldman's fiction and poetry has appeared in many journals and anthologies. He is also the author of the story collection Petty Offenses and Crimes of the Heart and the novel A Face in the Moon.
Waldman serves as Fiction Editor for Blue Lake Review (http://bluelakereview.weebly.com), and was co-editor (with Diana Waldman) of the anthologies WOUNDS OF WAR: POETS FOR PEACE, and HIP POETRY (originally published by Wind Publications).
His book reviews have appeared at Scribes World and Midwest Book Review.
Waldman studied with Mark Costello (author of THE MURPHY STORIES and MIDDLE MURPHY) and Paul Friedman (author of AND IF DEFEATED ALLEGE FRAUD and SERIOUS TROUBLE) at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), studied advertising at the University of Texas at Austin, and has a J.D. from Southern Illinois University.
Mitchell worked as an attorney/editor in the legal publishing field for over 35 years, before retiring in 2022.
Born in Chicago, he currently lives in Rochester, New York, with his partner, Diana Waldman, a journalist, editor, and poet, and the author of the poetry anthology, A WOMAN'S SONG.
Mitchell is working on a new short story collection which should be available soon.
For more information on Mitchell's and Diana's books and writings, see their web page at: http://mitchwaldman.homestead.com
His last story collection is entitled Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers. Of the work readers have said "Waldman has crafted a nuanced and engaging collection. His stories set us on an emotional tightrope, daring us to forgo a safety net, while seducing us to look down and discover who we are. Sometimes poignantly devastating, and other times savagely funny, he guides us through family trauma, corporate America, and faithful understanding to remind us if we can be less of a stranger to the world, maybe we can be less of a stranger to ourselves." (Josh Penzone, author of The Court of Vintage Woods: Linked Stories). Readers have also said that "Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers is remarkable for its scope, honesty, imagination, social sensitivity, and moral concern." (Robert Wexelblatt, author of The Thirteenth Studebaker, Hsi-wei Tales, etc.) And it has been said that "[i]n Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers, Waldman explores masculinity, but not stereotypical masculinity. In these stories, you will see men battling their memories and emotions as they attempt to come to grips with their pasts and make a way for their lives. Waldman sets his work in reality with a dash of fantasy and the occasional twist ending. Waldman is doing something special in the short story form, and his stories will entertain, enlighten, and elate." (Hardy Jones, author of Resurrection of Childhood: A Memoir, and Every Bitter Thing). The Academy of the Heart and Mind recently said of Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers that "Waldman’s short story collection will resonate with readers who are seeking a deep dive into how others have a massive influence on the people we are inside and out." For more information on the book, visit https://mitchwaldman.homestead.com/Br... . )
Waldman's fiction and poetry has appeared in many journals and anthologies. He is also the author of the story collection Petty Offenses and Crimes of the Heart and the novel A Face in the Moon.
Waldman serves as Fiction Editor for Blue Lake Review (http://bluelakereview.weebly.com), and was co-editor (with Diana Waldman) of the anthologies WOUNDS OF WAR: POETS FOR PEACE, and HIP POETRY (originally published by Wind Publications).
His book reviews have appeared at Scribes World and Midwest Book Review.
Waldman studied with Mark Costello (author of THE MURPHY STORIES and MIDDLE MURPHY) and Paul Friedman (author of AND IF DEFEATED ALLEGE FRAUD and SERIOUS TROUBLE) at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), studied advertising at the University of Texas at Austin, and has a J.D. from Southern Illinois University.
Mitchell worked as an attorney/editor in the legal publishing field for over 35 years, before retiring in 2022.
Born in Chicago, he currently lives in Rochester, New York, with his partner, Diana Waldman, a journalist, editor, and poet, and the author of the poetry anthology, A WOMAN'S SONG.
Mitchell is working on a new short story collection which should be available soon.
For more information on Mitchell's and Diana's books and writings, see their web page at: http://mitchwaldman.homestead.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 6, 2025
A reflective dystopian sci-fi novel, "The Visitor" by Mitchell Waldman, explores themes of identity and social control through the story of Ash, who perceives himself as an off-world spirit in the body of Edward Fleishman after a life-altering accident. He encounters uncertainty regarding his identity as he wakes up to an unfamiliar spouse and a society enveloped in surveillance. The narrative's tension hinges on whether his experience is an alien possession or a result of neurological trauma, maintaining ambiguity throughout.
The novel effectively critiques contemporary life by focusing on the pressures of bureaucracies and "helpful" authorities, transforming mundane interactions into tests of identity and consent. Influences from authors like Orwell and Philip K. Dick resonate through the reflective voice that prioritises characters' inner struggles over dramatic spectacles.
However, familiar tropes associated with amnesia and possession may be overly recognisable to seasoned readers, undermining some of the novel's subversive potential. The overt references to classic dystopian narratives may also set specific expectations that the prose does not always fulfil. While ambiguity serves as a compelling device, certain sections risk becoming repetitive without introducing new insights.
Waldman’s writing style is steady and introspective, offering a minimalistic worldbuilding approach that invites readers to perceive dystopia through implications rather than overt descriptions. This book appeals to literary-oriented sci-fi enthusiasts drawn to themes of embodiment and memory, seeking a narrative filled with introspection and social critique rather than high-concept action.
Overall, "The Visitor" is recommended for those who appreciate psychological complexity, although readers preferring fast-paced plots may find it too contemplative.
The novel effectively critiques contemporary life by focusing on the pressures of bureaucracies and "helpful" authorities, transforming mundane interactions into tests of identity and consent. Influences from authors like Orwell and Philip K. Dick resonate through the reflective voice that prioritises characters' inner struggles over dramatic spectacles.
However, familiar tropes associated with amnesia and possession may be overly recognisable to seasoned readers, undermining some of the novel's subversive potential. The overt references to classic dystopian narratives may also set specific expectations that the prose does not always fulfil. While ambiguity serves as a compelling device, certain sections risk becoming repetitive without introducing new insights.
Waldman’s writing style is steady and introspective, offering a minimalistic worldbuilding approach that invites readers to perceive dystopia through implications rather than overt descriptions. This book appeals to literary-oriented sci-fi enthusiasts drawn to themes of embodiment and memory, seeking a narrative filled with introspection and social critique rather than high-concept action.
Overall, "The Visitor" is recommended for those who appreciate psychological complexity, although readers preferring fast-paced plots may find it too contemplative.
October 26, 2025
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Waldman does a superb job of setting up a quirky story with plenty of twists & social commentary. When the protagonist wakes from a coma after a traumatic accident, Edward becomes the darling of the press for being the latest miracle.
Only one problem—he’s still remembers his previous lives, including as Pin Asher9919 on a different planet (hence his nickname Ash). He goes about trying to adapt to the complexities and barbarities of Earth while Lucille, Edward’s wife, struggles to accept the series of events that have rocked her world.
As Edward/Ash learns some of the nuances of human life, such as eating the flesh of other creatures and drinking beer, the author begins weaving in real-life aspects of political and social trends spreading around the world. He keenly highlights some of the absurdities in our civilizations as Edward/Ash gets caught up in circumstances beyond his control in a similar vein as Billy Pilgrim in Vonnegut’s 𝑆𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐹𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑠 𝐶𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑎𝑑𝑒.
If you’re a fan of thoughtful Science Fiction that doesn’t rely on aliens invading the Earth or AI and androids challenging their creators for supremacy, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟 is an excellent choice.
Waldman does a superb job of setting up a quirky story with plenty of twists & social commentary. When the protagonist wakes from a coma after a traumatic accident, Edward becomes the darling of the press for being the latest miracle.
Only one problem—he’s still remembers his previous lives, including as Pin Asher9919 on a different planet (hence his nickname Ash). He goes about trying to adapt to the complexities and barbarities of Earth while Lucille, Edward’s wife, struggles to accept the series of events that have rocked her world.
As Edward/Ash learns some of the nuances of human life, such as eating the flesh of other creatures and drinking beer, the author begins weaving in real-life aspects of political and social trends spreading around the world. He keenly highlights some of the absurdities in our civilizations as Edward/Ash gets caught up in circumstances beyond his control in a similar vein as Billy Pilgrim in Vonnegut’s 𝑆𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐹𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐶ℎ𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑛’𝑠 𝐶𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑎𝑑𝑒.
If you’re a fan of thoughtful Science Fiction that doesn’t rely on aliens invading the Earth or AI and androids challenging their creators for supremacy, 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑟 is an excellent choice.
November 4, 2025
A Captivating Read
Edward Fleishman had an accident that no one expected him to survive; his body did, but he didn’t; his spirit moved out, and Ash’s moved in. Upon waking up in Edward's body, Ash doesn't know what is happening, but he manages to recall some of his past lives and knows he is on Earth because he vaguely remembers being here once long ago.
He struggles to navigate this strange new world and does his best to relate to people who he is supposed to know, including Edward's wife, Lucille. The strange customs, habits, beliefs, and behaviours of humanity and how easily they are manipulated and controlled by their masters seem absurd to an outsider looking in.
Like great art, this book reflects the best and worst of humanity, incorporating shades of light and dark with humour, friendship, love, and irony in parallel with the shadowy underworld of secrets, politics, and control. It had me hooked from the first page.
Edward Fleishman had an accident that no one expected him to survive; his body did, but he didn’t; his spirit moved out, and Ash’s moved in. Upon waking up in Edward's body, Ash doesn't know what is happening, but he manages to recall some of his past lives and knows he is on Earth because he vaguely remembers being here once long ago.
He struggles to navigate this strange new world and does his best to relate to people who he is supposed to know, including Edward's wife, Lucille. The strange customs, habits, beliefs, and behaviours of humanity and how easily they are manipulated and controlled by their masters seem absurd to an outsider looking in.
Like great art, this book reflects the best and worst of humanity, incorporating shades of light and dark with humour, friendship, love, and irony in parallel with the shadowy underworld of secrets, politics, and control. It had me hooked from the first page.
November 7, 2025
The Visitor takes a simple premise and turns it into a layered exploration of identity, memory, and what it means to belong in your own skin. Mitchell Waldman writes with an unsettling calm that makes Ash’s confusion feel real and deeply human, even as the world around him grows more surreal. The pace is deliberate, sometimes meandering, but the ideas and emotion carry it through. It is less about aliens or technology and more about consciousness itself, blurring the line between science fiction and psychological drama. Thoughtful, eerie, and memorable.
October 18, 2025
Really interesting story, just a bit too slow for me.
I liked the idea of waking up in someone else’s body and not knowing who or where you are.
It feels more like a psychological trip than a sci-fi adventure.
Ash’s confusion and struggle to fit in were written really well.
The story makes you think about identity, memory, and what makes us human.
Beautifully written, but I wished it moved a little faster.
I liked the idea of waking up in someone else’s body and not knowing who or where you are.
It feels more like a psychological trip than a sci-fi adventure.
Ash’s confusion and struggle to fit in were written really well.
The story makes you think about identity, memory, and what makes us human.
Beautifully written, but I wished it moved a little faster.
November 10, 2025
Quiet and Strange but sticks with you
This book feels like stepping into someone else’s life right along with the main character. It’s eerie in a calm way, where you’re never totally sure what’s real, but that’s kind of the point. It’s thoughtful and slow-burning, more about identity and belonging than action. It lingers after you’re done.
This book feels like stepping into someone else’s life right along with the main character. It’s eerie in a calm way, where you’re never totally sure what’s real, but that’s kind of the point. It’s thoughtful and slow-burning, more about identity and belonging than action. It lingers after you’re done.
December 20, 2025
interesting read
This is a relatively quick read with short snappy chapters that keep the pace moving.
The concept of alien v reincarnation is interesting and I needed to find out how it ended.
The lighter moments made me smile.
Interesting take on what aliens might think of humans.
Nice easy read, and I hope Ash has a better time of it in the future… wherever that may be!
This is a relatively quick read with short snappy chapters that keep the pace moving.
The concept of alien v reincarnation is interesting and I needed to find out how it ended.
The lighter moments made me smile.
Interesting take on what aliens might think of humans.
Nice easy read, and I hope Ash has a better time of it in the future… wherever that may be!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews