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時間旅行者は緑の海に漂う = Door Number Three
1991年、ぼくはハリウッドでタイムマシンを燃やした。人生でいちばん狂気じみた、この一年の締めくくりとして。一年間でぼくはエイリアンと恋に落ち、忘れられた夢の秘密を発見し、地球を最終戦争から救い、時間旅行の能力を手に入れたのだ。すべてはあの時から、エイリアンの娘と名乗る女性ローラがぼくの診療所にやってきた時からはじまった…!夢と現実が交錯するディック的世界を描き、英米で絶賛を浴びた話題作。
477 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1995
3 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Patrick O'Leary
13 books21 followersPatrick O'Leary (Saginaw, Michigan, September 13, 1952) is an American science fiction and fantasy author and ad copy writer.
O'Leary's literary works have been recognized and highlighted at Michigan State University in their Michigan Writers Series. He wrote the poem "Nobody Knows It But Me" which was used in the popular 2002 advertising campaign for the Chevrolet Tahoe and read in the commercial by James Garner.
Works: http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/ea.cgi?P...
O'Leary's literary works have been recognized and highlighted at Michigan State University in their Michigan Writers Series. He wrote the poem "Nobody Knows It But Me" which was used in the popular 2002 advertising campaign for the Chevrolet Tahoe and read in the commercial by James Garner.
Works: http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/ea.cgi?P...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 6, 2014
There seems to be a resurgence in time-travel novels, although they seem to be taking unusual shapes and forms. Or maybe I'm just hitting a bunch in a row: John Kessel's humorous take on time, Connie Willis' upcoming novel set in the same world as her award winning "Time Watch," and now this unusual novel, a combination of conspiracy paranoia, aliens among us, questionable reality, and time shuffling. It's a strange combo, but it works magically.
First off, I have to give credit where it is due. Lawrence Person told me to read this, and although we don't always agree on literature, Lawrence knows my taste in SF and can often identify books that I will enjoy (it was he who pointed me in the direction of William Browning Spencer's Zod Wallop, I believe). This time Lawrence was number one with a bullet! Door Number Three pushes several of my buttons, most importantly the study of dreams and the fluctuation of reality.
The subject matter reminds me of Philip Dick. What is the nature of humanity? Why do we do the things we do? These are Dickian subjects (at least in the SF genre), and O'Leary tackles them within a framework that Dick might have used. However, the style with which he describes his world and ideas is what Dick would have used it he were still alive. Trying to describe this, I have to resort to the simple description of this as a 90s novel--in 20+ years time, we will be able to definitively identify this as being written shortly before the turn of the century.
The basic story concerns John Donnelly, a psychologist whose new client, Laura, claims to have been in contact with aliens and if she can convince one sane person of this, they will let her stay on earth. But the real story is about John himself, his life, his family, and his personal adaptation to life. As such, it is not "true" science fiction, or, at least, science fiction as it is assigned as a label by most people. If the fantastical elements were less, or if O'Leary had been a little more post-modern with his prose, this would have been the latest hip college novel, rather than a forgotten debut on the SF shelf.
It is a strong novel, which should appeal to most readers. Be open to it, however, because many things are not as they first seem. And at a little less than 400 pages, there's a lot of space for twists and turns.
First off, I have to give credit where it is due. Lawrence Person told me to read this, and although we don't always agree on literature, Lawrence knows my taste in SF and can often identify books that I will enjoy (it was he who pointed me in the direction of William Browning Spencer's Zod Wallop, I believe). This time Lawrence was number one with a bullet! Door Number Three pushes several of my buttons, most importantly the study of dreams and the fluctuation of reality.
The subject matter reminds me of Philip Dick. What is the nature of humanity? Why do we do the things we do? These are Dickian subjects (at least in the SF genre), and O'Leary tackles them within a framework that Dick might have used. However, the style with which he describes his world and ideas is what Dick would have used it he were still alive. Trying to describe this, I have to resort to the simple description of this as a 90s novel--in 20+ years time, we will be able to definitively identify this as being written shortly before the turn of the century.
The basic story concerns John Donnelly, a psychologist whose new client, Laura, claims to have been in contact with aliens and if she can convince one sane person of this, they will let her stay on earth. But the real story is about John himself, his life, his family, and his personal adaptation to life. As such, it is not "true" science fiction, or, at least, science fiction as it is assigned as a label by most people. If the fantastical elements were less, or if O'Leary had been a little more post-modern with his prose, this would have been the latest hip college novel, rather than a forgotten debut on the SF shelf.
It is a strong novel, which should appeal to most readers. Be open to it, however, because many things are not as they first seem. And at a little less than 400 pages, there's a lot of space for twists and turns.
March 16, 2021
Another reviewer here said that this is a novel of the 90's, and that's definitely true. The machinations of the plot are secondary to the voice of the narrator as he spins out his crazy tale. I can't tell you too much at all without getting into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say that this is the gonzo version of Lathe of Heaven, but it also reminded me a lot of the better works of Jonathan Carroll, as the events of the story, improbable as they may be, are always grounded in a real emotional truth.
As you can probably tell, this book kept throwing me for a loop. To add insult to injury, the copy I got from the library, which was very brittle, literally fell apart in my hands as I was reading it. This seemed very fitting. (I hope the library doesn't bill me for the replacement cost, but given how unpopular this book is, I doubt they'll want to replace it anyway.)
All the blurbs on the back cover and the advance reviews I found online make it pretty clear that this book and its author were supposed to be The Next Big Thing, but obviously that didn't happen. I can't quite figure out why. For some reason, it just didn't catch on, but if you want a good example of a bonkers 90's novel of ideas, look no further. (If you can find a copy that isn't on the verge of falling apart, that is!)
As you can probably tell, this book kept throwing me for a loop. To add insult to injury, the copy I got from the library, which was very brittle, literally fell apart in my hands as I was reading it. This seemed very fitting. (I hope the library doesn't bill me for the replacement cost, but given how unpopular this book is, I doubt they'll want to replace it anyway.)
All the blurbs on the back cover and the advance reviews I found online make it pretty clear that this book and its author were supposed to be The Next Big Thing, but obviously that didn't happen. I can't quite figure out why. For some reason, it just didn't catch on, but if you want a good example of a bonkers 90's novel of ideas, look no further. (If you can find a copy that isn't on the verge of falling apart, that is!)
August 27, 2012
Even though this book was written in 1995 it still holds up. A lot of times authors make the mistake of using current cultural references and thus dating themselves. Also for a science fiction book it does a good job of dealing with fresh concepts that are not overly used.
I like the take on time travel. I don't want to say to much about it because I don't want to give it away.
I also found the book to be insightful and a great way of bringing the character to the insight that many people spend years of therapy to achieve. (A comment made in the book as well, irony is not lost here as the main character is a psychologist.)
The twists and turns in the book kept me guessing. In the end having not read anything but the dust cover, I was surprised and delighted at the turn of events and learning the true meaning of the book. Beautifully executed.
Made me want to re-read it a few days after thinking about it.
Caution: Very Jung theory heavy.
I like the take on time travel. I don't want to say to much about it because I don't want to give it away.
I also found the book to be insightful and a great way of bringing the character to the insight that many people spend years of therapy to achieve. (A comment made in the book as well, irony is not lost here as the main character is a psychologist.)
The twists and turns in the book kept me guessing. In the end having not read anything but the dust cover, I was surprised and delighted at the turn of events and learning the true meaning of the book. Beautifully executed.
Made me want to re-read it a few days after thinking about it.
Caution: Very Jung theory heavy.
July 30, 2012
A refreshing surprise to one who likes "hard" science fiction over more fanciful or fantastic. A psychologist, John Donely, tells the tale of treating a woman claiming to have been raised by aliens and slowly moving toward belief. Tables get turned when he falls in love with her, but she turns out to have an agenda allied more with the beings than for the benefit of current human race or John in particular. Although you root for her story to be real, it was a bit hard to suspend disbelief in the major story premise that human dreams are mentally invaded by the "aliens" for mental kicks. I can't say more without giving away imprtant plot, but I found it satisfying for the hero to take up the task of saving humanity's present and future. �
July 14, 2012
Good concept. A future us come to visit and try to change the past - the concept being that you cannot change the future - you can only change past events that lead up to a determined, fixed future. Interesting.
February 21, 2024
John Donnelly, Doctor of Psychiatry, has a most unusual patient. Laura claims to be fleeing aliens who will allow her to stay on Earth if she can convince even one person of her story. Her delusion is extremely self-consistent as most schizophrenics are but she exhibits no real signs of stress and with her beauty and personality she gradually seduces John. Not into her folie as such but physically, much to his chagrin. Donnelly is also a lapsed Catholic but as with all such cannot escape his discarded faith, and his mother also throws a larger than normal shadow across his life. A third player appears in this strange tale - Saul Lowe, a wealthy inventor who reveals he has discerned the purpose of Laura and the shadowy aliens she claims are running her - The Holock. Gradually it is revealed that the Holock thrive on human dreams - something of which they are incapable - and Laura may be a fifth columnist sent to steal John’s sperm to conceive a human for dream feeding. Now the plot thickens, with time travel involved and some serious Jungian psychology, so we’re not sure whether John himself should be in therapy! Patrick O’Leary’s debut novel is thoroughly entertaining, if a bit confusing at times.
March 8, 2022
This was a very good book in parts. I found the first part with the relationship with Laura and all the stuff about the protagonist's mother a little slow-going. The book picks up a bit after we meet Saul. I found it really zipped along after that, hitting a bit of a slump when we got to Laura again. Overall, a good story but slow to get going.
I forgot what it's like reading American sci-fi written by boomers - you always have to hear about the '60s and Vietnam, even in passing. It reminds me a lot of the sci-fi that I read in the '80s, plus so many movies and TV shows pf that period. It made this book feel more dated than it probably otherwise would.
I forgot what it's like reading American sci-fi written by boomers - you always have to hear about the '60s and Vietnam, even in passing. It reminds me a lot of the sci-fi that I read in the '80s, plus so many movies and TV shows pf that period. It made this book feel more dated than it probably otherwise would.
June 4, 2024
It’s been awhile since I read one of O’Leary’s novels and while I did finish this one and enjoy it during the experience, the more I think about it I don’t think it was great.
I liked the premise but like any time travel story, there are a few loopholes. I think a couple of plot points got overlooked. The resolution was a bit convoluted, too and a felt a bit deus ex machina.
I liked the premise but like any time travel story, there are a few loopholes. I think a couple of plot points got overlooked. The resolution was a bit convoluted, too and a felt a bit deus ex machina.
December 19, 2019
I couldn’t put this - and A Gift - down and read them both 3X. Nuff said from this terrible reviewer.
February 27, 2022
Slow at first, weird, ???
March 22, 2022
Very bizarre psychological journey into what makes us human and our powers of free will. I particularly like the strange religious overtones to the alien race and how alien we can be to ourselves.
December 28, 2024
Intriguing premise of alien hybrid but I'm not interested in dreams or Jungian psychology. If you are, you might like this book. Did not finish.
May 25, 2023
So does it still count as authorial wish fulfillment if the hot babe the lead character scores with is an psychotic alien? Yeah, that's what I thought too. Gotta dock a point for that. Not sure if I should add or subtract a point for the Psych 101 Intro to Jung, of which there is quite a bit.
As for the rest of the book ... I never quite connected. It was a little slow-moving and a little heavy on the foreshadowing, so I kept going "yeah, I got that," and waiting for it to move forward faster.
At a friend's suggestion, I gave it a re-read.
It's more thoughtful than I picked up the first time through. I'm not sure I liked it any better, though. Deep, deep dives into dream theory, Jung, Catholicism. If any / all of those subjects are of particular interest to you, you'll likely enjoy the book a great deal more than I.
As for the rest of the book ... I never quite connected. It was a little slow-moving and a little heavy on the foreshadowing, so I kept going "yeah, I got that," and waiting for it to move forward faster.
At a friend's suggestion, I gave it a re-read.
It's more thoughtful than I picked up the first time through. I'm not sure I liked it any better, though. Deep, deep dives into dream theory, Jung, Catholicism. If any / all of those subjects are of particular interest to you, you'll likely enjoy the book a great deal more than I.
July 7, 2010
I looked at reviews on Amazon before plucking this off the library bookshelf and reading. It claimed to be a sci-fi book about time travel. In actuality, it reminded me of a Stephen King novella about the psyche, with a little silly time travel mixed in. Think Matrix with Bill and Ted's Awesome Adventure time travel aspects, where future self helps out past self.
These sci-fi aspects were few and far between, however, and the book devolved into a sad story involving an immature character with real world problems. Since there was so much focus on the real world problems, the book was a quick read.
Spoiler: The last chapter explained what happened after all the dreams went away. I was expecting a new way to think about the world, but it was as if the author ended with "and then I woke up."
There are soooo many other better time travel and sci-fi books to spend your time reading.
These sci-fi aspects were few and far between, however, and the book devolved into a sad story involving an immature character with real world problems. Since there was so much focus on the real world problems, the book was a quick read.
Spoiler: The last chapter explained what happened after all the dreams went away. I was expecting a new way to think about the world, but it was as if the author ended with "and then I woke up."
There are soooo many other better time travel and sci-fi books to spend your time reading.
October 12, 2011
I wish I could have those three hours of my life back.
The author thought he was being funny at times, not realizing the laughter was directed AT him. The book summary was more entertaining than the book and the absurd characters also did the audience no favors.
Bad, very bad, I'm just glad it was a library book and didn't cost me anything more than time.
The author thought he was being funny at times, not realizing the laughter was directed AT him. The book summary was more entertaining than the book and the absurd characters also did the audience no favors.
Bad, very bad, I'm just glad it was a library book and didn't cost me anything more than time.
March 30, 2008
So-so sci-fi
June 29, 2009
I didn't like it! AT ALL! It had way too many plot holes and it was confusing. It also had too much slut.
September 9, 2010
Interesting story, with a two-fisted imagination
Read
December 12, 2013What a fun ride! Intelligent, quirky, at times unexpectedly insightful on matters of the heart.
August 20, 2007
An interesting twist on time travel, aliens, and perceived reality.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews