Doppelgangers

by H.F. Heard

“A remarkable tour de force” by the acclaimed author and philosopher—a classic science fiction “thriller with depth” for fans of 1984 and Brave New World (The New York Times).   After the psychological revolution opened humankind’s minds to an all-new form of consciousness, society split in two. On the Earth’s surface rules Alpha, the benevolent, all-powerful dictator who’s constant ministrations have left his subjects undeniably happy and satisfied but also obedient and unquestioning.   Below the surface lies the kingdom of the Mole—the gloomy domain of an even darker and crueler leader. Embittered by his lot underground, he leads his people on a revolt against their obsequious overhead counterparts. And their ultimate weapon is nearly ready—a man who has been genetically and psychologically molded to be a near-perfect double of the Alpha.  A covert agent who, once in place, could change the fate of both civilizations—and humanity itself—forever.   Both a brilliant examination of human identity, and a gripping science fiction narrative, Doppelgangers is a dystopian novel decades ahead of its time.  

Genres: Fiction, Dystopia

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1947

Reviews

[Cyril · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this up while browsing in a 2nd hand bookshop in Rosebank ... Gerald Heard was into LSD and the idea that mankind was evolving into an age of consciousness.

This book is an unbelievably long and tedious monologue (256 pages) disguised as a poorly plotted novel. If you are interested in his ideas, read the non-fiction.
as for this book,

avoid!
avoid!
avoid!

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite long and tedious; would be an interesting thought experiment, was not an interesting novel.

[Elley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it! Slow and boring.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

sweet

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound book.

[Dp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hm

Did not meet my expectations. More a philosophical or sociopolitical treatment than a story, Interesting but not a science fiction story.