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Passengers
He didn't want to be afflicted by the passengers, his own body housing them against his will. This time the passenger seems to have been with a woman, and now the unwilling host is obsessed to find her. Hugo Award Nominee, Nebula Award(R) Winner
18 pages
First published January 1, 1968
46 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Robert Silverberg
2,344 books1,603 followersThere are many authors in the database with this name.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 19, 2015
Losing control of one’s body, being hijacked and taken over is a theme Robert Silverberg has visited many times in several works, though not quite a ubiquitous theme, and he may have done it best in his 1968 short work Passengers.
Nominated for the 1970 Hugo for best short story, it won the Nebula in that category for the same year.
Silverberg describes, in his very unique and definitive voice, a scene where a person has awoken from being “ridden”. Essentially Earth has been invaded by beings who possess and take over a person’s body for a period of time, maybe a few hours or a few days and humanity has learned to cope and somewhat adjust to the periodic indefensible seizures. While a person is possessed, he cannot recall, or at least not with clear accuracy, the events of the time while he was taken over by the passengers.
While someone is being ridden, they can be violent, reckless, or improvident and the host must then start his or her life over after the possession. And this is a Robert Silverberg work, so yes there is sex involved.
This work is also reminiscent of Frederik Pohl’s 1965 work A Plague of Pythons.
What Silverberg does best in this story is to create a setting of bleak exposure and hopeless acquiescence. Describing the short narrative in New York during winter or late fall, Silverberg conveys a scene of frigid surrealism and dramatic tension.
Nominated for the 1970 Hugo for best short story, it won the Nebula in that category for the same year.
Silverberg describes, in his very unique and definitive voice, a scene where a person has awoken from being “ridden”. Essentially Earth has been invaded by beings who possess and take over a person’s body for a period of time, maybe a few hours or a few days and humanity has learned to cope and somewhat adjust to the periodic indefensible seizures. While a person is possessed, he cannot recall, or at least not with clear accuracy, the events of the time while he was taken over by the passengers.
While someone is being ridden, they can be violent, reckless, or improvident and the host must then start his or her life over after the possession. And this is a Robert Silverberg work, so yes there is sex involved.
This work is also reminiscent of Frederik Pohl’s 1965 work A Plague of Pythons.
What Silverberg does best in this story is to create a setting of bleak exposure and hopeless acquiescence. Describing the short narrative in New York during winter or late fall, Silverberg conveys a scene of frigid surrealism and dramatic tension.
July 24, 2023
2.3⭐ A straightforward ( and obvious) short tale of human possession by alien Puppet Masters (see what I did, there?). The ending struck me as mildly homophobic. Not Silverberg's best work.
October 6, 2022
Imagine if there were aliens that could control at will the bodies and actions of unwilling humans... how would this affect society? How would this change our behaviours and interactions? How would your life plans change if you knew that you could be personally hijacked and manipulated at any time, without warning?
These are fairly interesting questions and it's probably a pretty good metaphor for something that went over my head. But instead this story is actually a bit of a love at first sight, or rather, it's a love-after-a-3-day-sex-binge narrative... which is generally not a gripping storyline anyway, but is decidedly a terrible focus for a short (short) story.
Well, the other main let down for me is that this doesn't need to be a scifi and given the extremely basic narrative it could as easily have been a fantasy story. Replace the alien passengers, with demonic possessions, or telepathic fairies.... you'd have the same story.
"Many die that way, but never their passengers." - paraphrased, but this quote suggested to me that while the passengers may cause the death of the body which they control, they are themselves not harmed in that event. An interesting concept to explore especially if the story had focused more on the aliens.
Also, I wonder... given how little the in-story narrator knew about the passengers... whether it is even possible to know if it is true that the passengers are not harmed or even killed when their host body dies.
In reference to the number of passengers present on Earth, the narrative mentions: "Millions maybe? Maybe five? Who can tell?" - paraphrased again, but this is also another missed storytelling opportunity in my opinion. There are experiments which could be devised to figure this out, and to figure out the difference between genuine possessions and people just acting out because it'll be mistaken for possession, and so on, and so forth.
It's an interesting initial idea but basically abandoned by this lazy storyline.
You can listen for free on the "escape pod" podcast, episode #369. That narrator is a bit bland, but easy enough to listen to.
These are fairly interesting questions and it's probably a pretty good metaphor for something that went over my head. But instead this story is actually a bit of a love at first sight, or rather, it's a love-after-a-3-day-sex-binge narrative... which is generally not a gripping storyline anyway, but is decidedly a terrible focus for a short (short) story.
Well, the other main let down for me is that this doesn't need to be a scifi and given the extremely basic narrative it could as easily have been a fantasy story. Replace the alien passengers, with demonic possessions, or telepathic fairies.... you'd have the same story.
"Many die that way, but never their passengers." - paraphrased, but this quote suggested to me that while the passengers may cause the death of the body which they control, they are themselves not harmed in that event. An interesting concept to explore especially if the story had focused more on the aliens.
Also, I wonder... given how little the in-story narrator knew about the passengers... whether it is even possible to know if it is true that the passengers are not harmed or even killed when their host body dies.
In reference to the number of passengers present on Earth, the narrative mentions: "Millions maybe? Maybe five? Who can tell?" - paraphrased again, but this is also another missed storytelling opportunity in my opinion. There are experiments which could be devised to figure this out, and to figure out the difference between genuine possessions and people just acting out because it'll be mistaken for possession, and so on, and so forth.
It's an interesting initial idea but basically abandoned by this lazy storyline.
You can listen for free on the "escape pod" podcast, episode #369. That narrator is a bit bland, but easy enough to listen to.
October 2, 2022
Passengers by Robert Silverberg
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
*Spoilers*
I read this for the first - and most recent time - in my early to mid-teens back in the 1970s. I remember mostly the weirdness of a world where people can become possessed by alien mental invaders and caused to do things they don't remember afterward. I remember the protagonist trying to form a relationship with the woman he had been caused to have sex with while under possession and I remember his suddenly becoming possessed again. I don't remember the homosexual angle at the end.
At that age, I don't think I really got the sexual angle or what I imagine would be the horror of the heterosexual, womanizing protagonist heading out with a man. I don't know that I feel the same horror I might have felt back in the 1970s.
On the other hand, the horrible weirdness of an alien invasion that is purely mental definitely stands out this time. It occurred to me that the world of Passengers is under Occupation. People go around with their eyes turned to the ground lest they come into eye contact with one of the Occupiers. They are totally passive before the conquerors.
This story won the Nebula Award in 1969 - back when that award meant something. It maintains its impact.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
*Spoilers*
I read this for the first - and most recent time - in my early to mid-teens back in the 1970s. I remember mostly the weirdness of a world where people can become possessed by alien mental invaders and caused to do things they don't remember afterward. I remember the protagonist trying to form a relationship with the woman he had been caused to have sex with while under possession and I remember his suddenly becoming possessed again. I don't remember the homosexual angle at the end.
At that age, I don't think I really got the sexual angle or what I imagine would be the horror of the heterosexual, womanizing protagonist heading out with a man. I don't know that I feel the same horror I might have felt back in the 1970s.
On the other hand, the horrible weirdness of an alien invasion that is purely mental definitely stands out this time. It occurred to me that the world of Passengers is under Occupation. People go around with their eyes turned to the ground lest they come into eye contact with one of the Occupiers. They are totally passive before the conquerors.
This story won the Nebula Award in 1969 - back when that award meant something. It maintains its impact.
May 9, 2014
The whole thing is here in audio (40 min) and text: http://escapepod.org/2012/11/08/ep369...
It's quite a story and a good character too. Well narrated. Watch out for that ending!
October 5, 2022
There are great ideas in this story. The writing is also really good. Fantastic prose. That ending is a little weird, but I think I get it. Overall, this is one of the better ones I’ve read for class.
July 27, 2021
Drumul spre noapte 3/5
Omul cel cald 4/5
Sa vezi omul invizibil 4/5
Al saselea palat 3/5
Mustele 3/5
Hawksbill Station 4/5
Pasagerii 4/5
Aripi de noapte 3/5
Dansul Soarelui 4/5
Vesti bune de la Vatican 3/5
Total: 3.5/5 (unele povesti merita un pic mai mult, deci nota se indreapta spre un 4/5)
Omul cel cald 4/5
Sa vezi omul invizibil 4/5
Al saselea palat 3/5
Mustele 3/5
Hawksbill Station 4/5
Pasagerii 4/5
Aripi de noapte 3/5
Dansul Soarelui 4/5
Vesti bune de la Vatican 3/5
Total: 3.5/5 (unele povesti merita un pic mai mult, deci nota se indreapta spre un 4/5)
Read
April 9, 2023I can't believe this won the Nebula Award for Best Short Story. Lots of the content just wouldn't fly these days. I mean harassing, stalking, and trying to force himself on a girl? Her saying YES because he won't listen to her "no"s? Man, the 1970s was really just a different time.
At least it was extremely short I suppose.
At least it was extremely short I suppose.
June 25, 2018
What do you do when discorporate alien beings can takeover your body, anywhere, anytime? Carpe Diem!
February 16, 2022
Colectia de povestiri este nemaipomenita, cu exceptia ultimei - de aceea si 4 stele. Silverberg este un scriitor desavarsit, pacat ca are asa putine carti traduse in romana.
January 18, 2019
Interesting take on body snatching/takeovers - written in '68 and being nominated for both the Hugo & Nebula awards that year (and winning the Nebula). Found it creepy and depressing. Poor MC. Poor humans.
First read: 18.1.19
Source: http://escapepod.org/2012/11/08/ep369...
First read: 18.1.19
Source: http://escapepod.org/2012/11/08/ep369...
June 2, 2019
This is one of my all-time fav short stories. First read in high school - 1971? Some core emotions such as futility, depression, hope, love, camaraderie, terror and others are very well portrayed. Great characters, milieu, dialogue and ending. Wish it could be taken to the screen.
August 14, 2024
Free online | Concise, well-constructed, but reminds me how Silverberg's male characters give me the icks.
November 4, 2025
read for school
fun and spooky
fun and spooky
February 16, 2021
It is very well-written. The story is suspenseful and will probably stay with me a long time. It was just too scary, so I put 4 not 5 stars.
July 22, 2021
The concept of forever losing your freedom, even to the extent of living on constant fear of when you will next be possessed, kept me on my edge as I was reading this. Silverberg really develops some interesting narrative plot points in this SF short story and this would be a great way to spend 15 minutes of your day.
June 2, 2025
To be “ridden,” your body possessed by an alien interloper, your mind cloaked and subdued, helpless to stop the invasion, unable to resist, or even to remember but fleeting fragments as your body is not your own…how does anyone cope, maintain, cling to hope?
April 24, 2022
One of the best short stories in science fiction history
I remember this when it was first published oh so many years ago. It has always stick with Me. A passenger indeed..
I remember this when it was first published oh so many years ago. It has always stick with Me. A passenger indeed..
December 1, 2019
Drumul spre noapte
Prima povestire scrisa la 20 de ani, pare o postapocaliptica de prin in 2054. Un razboi de uzura, atomic, radiatii, America facuta puzzle de mici oaze locuibile intre care sunt tinuturi radioactive. Lege martiala, guvernatorul e un general iar personajul Paul Katterson, concediat din armata , este in somaj, are hrana pe cartela. Se suspenda transporturile de hrana catre New York, iar traficul de carne (in sensul foarte fizic al termenului ) incepuse deja. Incearca din rasputeri sa reziste tentatiei de canibalism, se duce la un prieten carturar care traia printre carti si care ii mai da o mica bucata de paine. Salvarea prin cultura daca la asta s-a referit e cam stangace in context, dar poate asa a vrut sa fie. Pana unde se poate intinde chestia asta " foame vs carti/cultura", pierderea umanitatii sub asaltul foamei? Si cedeaza si trece de cealalta parte...
Din 3 paragrafe deja te-a bagat in atmosfera, creeaza atmosfera aia de dezolare, de deznadejde, de lipsa de speranta.Si face si o referire cam stangace la cartea lui Huxley ; il iertam ca era tanar.
E un stil cam scolaresc, se vede ca e la inceput dar promite, incepe sa invete meseria scrisului, cum zicea chiar el despre el in prefata povestirii.
2 stele, inca nu se vede marele si extraordinarul si extraparafragilistul scriitor despre care vorbea Malzberg
Omul cel cald
Domnul Hallinan apare brusc in New Brewster iar Daisy Moncrieff, tipa care facea si dregea itele in orasel, cea care stia totul despre toti, era la curent cu toate barfele, il invita la un cocteil si dineu pe noul venit. La petrecerea tipul se intalneste cu cei din orasel, spune foarte putine despre el si multe despre ei. Si Hallinan ii face sa se deschida, sa fie sinceri, sa ii impartaseasca nelinistile, dorintele, frustrarile, dar nu ca la psiholog ci asa, pur si simplu, il gasesc "linistitor".E un absorbant de ganduri negre, nemultumiri, frustrari si e si un furnizor de intelegere, cand ai nevoie de cineva caruia sa ii vorbesti si sa te inteleaga, cu toate pacatele tale, cu toate prostiile pe care le-ai facut, cu toate nevoile tale de căldură şi de securitate. Sa stii sa asculti, sa empatizezi, sa deschizi sufletul oamenilor. Dar a doua zi dimineata pare epuizat de tot ce a absorbit in ajun, nu s-a refacut, are nevoie de timp sa isi revina, sa curete rezervorul interior in care a depozitat tot ce au deversat cei din orasel, totuşi el le încălzea vieţile şi-i uşura de povara eşecurilor.
Incalzitor de vieti, aspirator de griji, nevroze necazuri, frustrari, e un fel de agent patogen care vrea sa distrug "raul interior" dar nu in sensul religios al termenului ci mai degraba psihiatric.
Sentimentele catorva din orasel fata de tip se schimba cumva brusc, il banuiesc de interese ascunse, ca vrea sa aiba un "castig" din aceasta permanenta deschidere /provocare/ acceptare a destainuirilor, empatia lui e ca si cum raul a dat inapoi in prima faza dar acum e in contraofensiva. Si neincrederea si respingerea se raspandesc, il resping, raul se lateste asa usor ca un fum/abur din ala din filme nu e nimic vizual, dar sugereaza din cuvinte
Intalneste un copil cam autist, foarte interiorizat, care e telepat, care se deschide spre Hallinan cu atat forta, cu toata durere si frustrarea celor noua ani ai lui de copil izolat si considerat cu probleme psihice si cam debil, incat il "arde" pe receptorul Hallinan singurul care era asemeni lui.
Nu e nici sfant, nici dracul, nici cine stie ce extraterestru ; e un om cu multa empatie si cu capacitati empatice, extrasenzoriale, care arde prin combustie spontana mentala atunci cand un copil cu probleme proiecteaza spre el toate ce le avea pe suflet.
Caldura sufleteasca, zambet, veselie, din 3 propozitii i-a facut portretul, se vede ca si-a mai lucrat stilul si scrisul. Din cate spune Silveberg, povestirile si nuvelele sunt in ordinea cronologica a aparitiei lor, asta inseamna ca ar trebui sa observam cum creste ca scritor, ca si calitate a scrisului, cum isi face un stil, cum invata sa dezvolte personajele, actiunea, motivatiile simbolurile, adancimea si contextul scriiturii. Foarte misto scriitura, creaza pesonajele ca un pictor cu carbunele, din trei linii ti le-a descris si deja il vezi
Foarte buna povestirea asta de aproape patru stele; chiar daca inca mai are oarece stangacii, chiar daca stilul mai necesita slefuire
Să vezi omul invizibil
Nuvela scrisa la cererea lui Frederic Pohl (editor la Galaxy, cel cu Poarta) si care preia si dezvolta o idee a lui Borges.
In 2104, intr-un oras al viitorului in care totul pare controlat, pana si vremea - cineva e declarat invizibil pt 1 an. In relatia cu ceilalti oameni esti singur, nimeni nu te baga in seama, nu vorbeste cu tine, nu te ajuta, nu te intelege nimeni, nu te "vede", in caz contrar este si el pedepsit la invizibilitate. Ostracizarea creeaza un cocon in care esti izolat. La inceput crede ca ii va fi bine pentru ca nici nu este un individ foarte social, fara prea multe interactiuni cu ceilalti . Un om invizibil, normal, nu poate vedea pe altul de felul lui. Nici ei intre ei nu se "vad", cei invizibili, desi ar trebui sa fie o casta, sa formeze legaturi ca sa supravietuiasca, dar usor usor isi da seama ca va fi foarte greu dpdv practic cu aceasta invizibilitate care la prima vedere pare ca iti da libertatea sa faci ce vrei . Si cand te imbolnevesti ce faci? chemi un doctor? serios? Hippocrate nu ştiuse nimic de oamenii invizibili. Mai este cel invizibil un om? Doctorul il respinge imediat ce vede semnul de pe frunte (i se facuse cand primise pedeapsa / se pronuntase sentinta de invizibilitate) Foarte misto descrise aspectele practice ale invizibilitatii, singuratatea de Robinson acolo era exterioara si si-o asuma, aici fusese impusa. Singuratatea il inraieste uraste si mai tare societatea, are momente in care e maniaco depresiv. Nici macar cersetorii, nici macar aia de la perferia societatii nu interactioneaza cu el (pedeapsa pt asffel de interactiuni fiind invizbilitatea si pentru celalalt). Ce nu am inteles este de ce nu interactioneaza intre ei, invizibilii, de unde groaza asta de invizibilitate? daca esti invizibil si nu mai conteaza, de ce nu interactionezi cu cei asemeni tie? I se termina perioada de pedeapsa si invata ce e umilinta, ca trebuie sa se integreze, ca nu trebuie sa ii refuze pe ceilalti si sa nu interactionezen cu acestia, invizibilitatea il modeleaza, nu mai e orgolios si distant
Devine vizibil dar interactioneaza cu un invizibil disperat si gata sa clacheze ... si acum va fi condamnat pt caldura sufleteasca, prima data fiind condamnat pt indifereta
Foarte bun 4 stele
Al saselea palat
O comoara undeva pe o planeta mica, pierduta in imensitatea spatiului, pazita de un "om metalic" care ii pune la incercare pe cei care doresc sa puna mana pe comoara = tot felul de minunatii de pe 1000 de lumi care mai de care mai deosebite si mai pretioase. Lipescu (uite ca apare si un roman) si Bolzano sunt doi tipi care vor inverca sa treaca de robotul pazitor cu ajutorul unui computer programat sa raspunda la toate intrebarile posibile . Doar visatorii si nesabuitii viseaza la comoara. Comoara vazuta ca ideal ? de neatins din cauza robotului care ar fi realitatea concreta care te trezeste din visare si din nazuinti inalte? dar visarea asta = mercantilism? pt ce vrei comoara ? Sa te autodepasesti? sa te lauzi ? sa arati ca esti cel mai bun? Motivul sfinxului? sau cerber? cel care pazeste intrarea in iad? dar daca acolo e iadul mai degraba ar trebui pazita iesirea nu intrarea. Robotul pazitor il pune la incercare pe Lipescu iar acesta raspunde cu ajutorul computerului special programat in acest scop pana acum e o cinfruntare intre doua IA mai degraba. Si la intrebarea cu teorema lui Pitagora (pe care Lipescu o enunta corect) robotul pazitor il omoara pe Lipescu. Bolzano nu isi da seama de ce il omorase robotul pe tovarasul lui desi raspunde corect si incearca si el.
Robotul voia adevărul, sensul profund, înţelegere, nu logica, nu informatie ..... cunoasterea, logica, informatia nu e de ajuns pt a ajunge la comoara.
Cam 2 stele ca nu am inteles exact toate subtilitatile
Muştele
Spilberg se lauda aici ca i-a sugerat lui Harlan Ellison sa scoata celebra Viziuni periculoase, gândite să violeze toate tabuurile şi reacţiile din epoca timpurie a SFului, sa deschida un nou drum, o noua directie. Iar aici avem una din din temele lui preferate cea a canibalismului psihic (cineva care se hraneste cu emotiile/simtamintele/sentimentele altora) . Prin 2316 are loc un accident sau ceva asemator cu o nava spatiala iar ce ramane / suprsvietuieste din personajul nostru, Cassiday, este recuperat de "cei aurii" (extraterestri cu dotari / puteri / cunostinte / tehnologie superioara, nu e clar daca a avut loc contactul omenirii cu acestia dar nici nu prea conteaza). Devine mult mai sensibil, era avid de o mulţime de lucruri noi, i-au modificat creierul - dar nu chirurgical ci intr-un mod mult mai fin, mai elegant, mai complex. Revine pe pamant se duce sa isi vada fostele neveste, le provoaca sentimente de oroare / teroare etc pe care le capteaza si trimite mai departe catre cei "aurii". Vampir de sentimente senzatii, dar nu vampir pur si simplu ci e un vampir care declanseaza aceste senzatii, "auriii" incercand astfel inteleaga rasa umana.
Slabutz, 2 stele
Hawksbill Station
Scrisa tot la indemnul lui Fred Pohl si transformata apoi intr-un roman.
Hawksbill Station este o colonie de pedeapsa prin exilare in timp, adica ca sa te pedepseasca nu te trimit in Guyana Franceza / Siberia / Canal ci te trimt in cambrianul indepartat, un miliard î.e.n. si de acolo nu se mai pot intoarce si le trimitem ceva provizii si materiale.. Daca le trimitem ceva resurse si provizii bine , daca nu , la fel de bine. Un exil pt opozantii politici, anarhisti, bolsevici, reactionari, revoluţionari, agitatori, subversivi. Transportatorul (il numeau Ciocanul) functiona numai intr un sens sa aduca oameni sau materile provizii. Inchisoare pe viata si nu prea aveai unde sa evadezi - echivalent pedepsei capitale. Ultimul noul venit nu prea are har de economie si nici de politica dar a fost trimis aici printre detinutii politici, unii dintre ei cu state vechi si cu chestii grave la activ.Noul venit era politist care investigheaza sistemujl de inchisori al vechiului guvern, calatoria in ambele sensuri temporale a devenit posibila, se pot intoarce de unde au fost trimisi si vor beneficia de tratament. Iar Barrett, cel mai vechi de aici si seful neoficial intra in panica, ceva de genul Inchisoarea Ingerilor - a devenit institutionalizat. Inchisoarea interioara vs inchirea exterioara, zidurile pe care te poti baza dupa ce 40 de ani ai fost in interiorul lor, zidurile fiind acum Cambrianul tarziu
Cam spre 3 stele
Pasagerii
A castigat Nebula si nominalizata la Hugo
Corpuri folosite pe post de vehicole pentru altii, numiti Pasagerii. Ei fac orice, cei "posedati" nu prea stiu ce au facut Pasagerii. Pasagerul alege gazda cand si cum vrea iar posesia e de ordinul zilelor. Daca Pasagerul se retrage dispar aproape toate amintirle liberul albitru si absenta acestuia? Posedarea poate provoca vicime printre gazde dar nu si printre Pasageri astia sunt decorporalizati si sunt prin preajma in cautarea de gazde pe care sa le "caladeasca" . Cogito ergo sum nu se mai poate aplica. De aici porneste discutia Cuget deci exist, dar cine cugeta si cine exista? Vampirism de gandire, pasagerii astia pot fi multe chestii: furia / ura / mila / etc ar putea fi pasagerii care ne imping sa facem nefacute? Nu cumva pasagerii astia se ascund adanc in vastul nostru creier si din cand in cand ies la suprafata ( mai des sau mai rar) si ne calaresc? Suntem liberi sau avem iluzia libertatii? Pasager - indoctrinare, spalare pe creier etc. Voinţa liberă contra determinismului.
Distantele dintre oameni se maresc din cauza controlului de catre Pasageri : ai fost/esti controlat, dupa aia nu mai vrei sa interactionezi cu cel cu care ai interactionat cat ai fost posedat. Esti urmarit si cand dai un semn de liberatare de liber arbitru de independenta, pac! vine Pasagerul sa iti bage mintile in cap.
Frica ca nu ai control, ca nu iti poti trai viata in mod constient si asa cum ai vrea, ca in orice clipa poa sa vina un Pasager si sa te calareasca. Asta poate fi si o aluzie la un regim totalitar cu controlul al oamenilor care traiesc sub regimul ala. Si dragostea / iubirea ar putea invinge? In cazul de fata nu prea poate.
3 stele
Aripi de noapte
Undeva in viitorul indepartat, in al treilea ciclu al civilizatiei umane,o lume fantastica Ghilde si reguli fanteziste, cu tot felul de ciudati (umani transformati /mutanti) exista contacte cu lumile exterioare / alte sisteme solare si exista extraterstrii. E un pamant dintr-un viitor indepartat care mai are urme ale celui pe care il cunoastem, numele de orase, locuri, continente au rezonante actuale. Pamantul era mai degraba in declin cu stralucirea ruinelor si a locurilor marete odinioara dar se pare ca prezentul nu era foarte roz .
Veghetori, Elfinii, Zburatoare, Stapanilor , Pelerinilor , Servitorilor, Meşteşugarilor, Scribilor, Comunicanţilor, Transportatorilor, Neutri, Indexatori (ce-o fi indexand astia?), Amintitori care notau tot si tineau minte tot. Nu foloseau calculatoare ci retele neuronale din creiere de la morti mentinute "in viata" pe post de acumulatori / rezervoare de informatii, au si un fel de dispozitive de comunicare informatii la nivel neuronal, exista centrale energetice construite în al Doilea Ciclu care pare ca a fost epoca industriala / post industriala. O umanitate modificata stratificata intr-o lunga dupa amiaza , vorba lui Aldriss.
... continuarea pe ... si vreme(a) e ca sa citim
Prima povestire scrisa la 20 de ani, pare o postapocaliptica de prin in 2054. Un razboi de uzura, atomic, radiatii, America facuta puzzle de mici oaze locuibile intre care sunt tinuturi radioactive. Lege martiala, guvernatorul e un general iar personajul Paul Katterson, concediat din armata , este in somaj, are hrana pe cartela. Se suspenda transporturile de hrana catre New York, iar traficul de carne (in sensul foarte fizic al termenului ) incepuse deja. Incearca din rasputeri sa reziste tentatiei de canibalism, se duce la un prieten carturar care traia printre carti si care ii mai da o mica bucata de paine. Salvarea prin cultura daca la asta s-a referit e cam stangace in context, dar poate asa a vrut sa fie. Pana unde se poate intinde chestia asta " foame vs carti/cultura", pierderea umanitatii sub asaltul foamei? Si cedeaza si trece de cealalta parte...
Din 3 paragrafe deja te-a bagat in atmosfera, creeaza atmosfera aia de dezolare, de deznadejde, de lipsa de speranta.Si face si o referire cam stangace la cartea lui Huxley ; il iertam ca era tanar.
E un stil cam scolaresc, se vede ca e la inceput dar promite, incepe sa invete meseria scrisului, cum zicea chiar el despre el in prefata povestirii.
2 stele, inca nu se vede marele si extraordinarul si extraparafragilistul scriitor despre care vorbea Malzberg
Omul cel cald
Domnul Hallinan apare brusc in New Brewster iar Daisy Moncrieff, tipa care facea si dregea itele in orasel, cea care stia totul despre toti, era la curent cu toate barfele, il invita la un cocteil si dineu pe noul venit. La petrecerea tipul se intalneste cu cei din orasel, spune foarte putine despre el si multe despre ei. Si Hallinan ii face sa se deschida, sa fie sinceri, sa ii impartaseasca nelinistile, dorintele, frustrarile, dar nu ca la psiholog ci asa, pur si simplu, il gasesc "linistitor".E un absorbant de ganduri negre, nemultumiri, frustrari si e si un furnizor de intelegere, cand ai nevoie de cineva caruia sa ii vorbesti si sa te inteleaga, cu toate pacatele tale, cu toate prostiile pe care le-ai facut, cu toate nevoile tale de căldură şi de securitate. Sa stii sa asculti, sa empatizezi, sa deschizi sufletul oamenilor. Dar a doua zi dimineata pare epuizat de tot ce a absorbit in ajun, nu s-a refacut, are nevoie de timp sa isi revina, sa curete rezervorul interior in care a depozitat tot ce au deversat cei din orasel, totuşi el le încălzea vieţile şi-i uşura de povara eşecurilor.
Incalzitor de vieti, aspirator de griji, nevroze necazuri, frustrari, e un fel de agent patogen care vrea sa distrug "raul interior" dar nu in sensul religios al termenului ci mai degraba psihiatric.
Sentimentele catorva din orasel fata de tip se schimba cumva brusc, il banuiesc de interese ascunse, ca vrea sa aiba un "castig" din aceasta permanenta deschidere /provocare/ acceptare a destainuirilor, empatia lui e ca si cum raul a dat inapoi in prima faza dar acum e in contraofensiva. Si neincrederea si respingerea se raspandesc, il resping, raul se lateste asa usor ca un fum/abur din ala din filme nu e nimic vizual, dar sugereaza din cuvinte
Intalneste un copil cam autist, foarte interiorizat, care e telepat, care se deschide spre Hallinan cu atat forta, cu toata durere si frustrarea celor noua ani ai lui de copil izolat si considerat cu probleme psihice si cam debil, incat il "arde" pe receptorul Hallinan singurul care era asemeni lui.
Nu e nici sfant, nici dracul, nici cine stie ce extraterestru ; e un om cu multa empatie si cu capacitati empatice, extrasenzoriale, care arde prin combustie spontana mentala atunci cand un copil cu probleme proiecteaza spre el toate ce le avea pe suflet.
Caldura sufleteasca, zambet, veselie, din 3 propozitii i-a facut portretul, se vede ca si-a mai lucrat stilul si scrisul. Din cate spune Silveberg, povestirile si nuvelele sunt in ordinea cronologica a aparitiei lor, asta inseamna ca ar trebui sa observam cum creste ca scritor, ca si calitate a scrisului, cum isi face un stil, cum invata sa dezvolte personajele, actiunea, motivatiile simbolurile, adancimea si contextul scriiturii. Foarte misto scriitura, creaza pesonajele ca un pictor cu carbunele, din trei linii ti le-a descris si deja il vezi
Foarte buna povestirea asta de aproape patru stele; chiar daca inca mai are oarece stangacii, chiar daca stilul mai necesita slefuire
Să vezi omul invizibil
Nuvela scrisa la cererea lui Frederic Pohl (editor la Galaxy, cel cu Poarta) si care preia si dezvolta o idee a lui Borges.
In 2104, intr-un oras al viitorului in care totul pare controlat, pana si vremea - cineva e declarat invizibil pt 1 an. In relatia cu ceilalti oameni esti singur, nimeni nu te baga in seama, nu vorbeste cu tine, nu te ajuta, nu te intelege nimeni, nu te "vede", in caz contrar este si el pedepsit la invizibilitate. Ostracizarea creeaza un cocon in care esti izolat. La inceput crede ca ii va fi bine pentru ca nici nu este un individ foarte social, fara prea multe interactiuni cu ceilalti . Un om invizibil, normal, nu poate vedea pe altul de felul lui. Nici ei intre ei nu se "vad", cei invizibili, desi ar trebui sa fie o casta, sa formeze legaturi ca sa supravietuiasca, dar usor usor isi da seama ca va fi foarte greu dpdv practic cu aceasta invizibilitate care la prima vedere pare ca iti da libertatea sa faci ce vrei . Si cand te imbolnevesti ce faci? chemi un doctor? serios? Hippocrate nu ştiuse nimic de oamenii invizibili. Mai este cel invizibil un om? Doctorul il respinge imediat ce vede semnul de pe frunte (i se facuse cand primise pedeapsa / se pronuntase sentinta de invizibilitate) Foarte misto descrise aspectele practice ale invizibilitatii, singuratatea de Robinson acolo era exterioara si si-o asuma, aici fusese impusa. Singuratatea il inraieste uraste si mai tare societatea, are momente in care e maniaco depresiv. Nici macar cersetorii, nici macar aia de la perferia societatii nu interactioneaza cu el (pedeapsa pt asffel de interactiuni fiind invizbilitatea si pentru celalalt). Ce nu am inteles este de ce nu interactioneaza intre ei, invizibilii, de unde groaza asta de invizibilitate? daca esti invizibil si nu mai conteaza, de ce nu interactionezi cu cei asemeni tie? I se termina perioada de pedeapsa si invata ce e umilinta, ca trebuie sa se integreze, ca nu trebuie sa ii refuze pe ceilalti si sa nu interactionezen cu acestia, invizibilitatea il modeleaza, nu mai e orgolios si distant
Devine vizibil dar interactioneaza cu un invizibil disperat si gata sa clacheze ... si acum va fi condamnat pt caldura sufleteasca, prima data fiind condamnat pt indifereta
Foarte bun 4 stele
Al saselea palat
O comoara undeva pe o planeta mica, pierduta in imensitatea spatiului, pazita de un "om metalic" care ii pune la incercare pe cei care doresc sa puna mana pe comoara = tot felul de minunatii de pe 1000 de lumi care mai de care mai deosebite si mai pretioase. Lipescu (uite ca apare si un roman) si Bolzano sunt doi tipi care vor inverca sa treaca de robotul pazitor cu ajutorul unui computer programat sa raspunda la toate intrebarile posibile . Doar visatorii si nesabuitii viseaza la comoara. Comoara vazuta ca ideal ? de neatins din cauza robotului care ar fi realitatea concreta care te trezeste din visare si din nazuinti inalte? dar visarea asta = mercantilism? pt ce vrei comoara ? Sa te autodepasesti? sa te lauzi ? sa arati ca esti cel mai bun? Motivul sfinxului? sau cerber? cel care pazeste intrarea in iad? dar daca acolo e iadul mai degraba ar trebui pazita iesirea nu intrarea. Robotul pazitor il pune la incercare pe Lipescu iar acesta raspunde cu ajutorul computerului special programat in acest scop pana acum e o cinfruntare intre doua IA mai degraba. Si la intrebarea cu teorema lui Pitagora (pe care Lipescu o enunta corect) robotul pazitor il omoara pe Lipescu. Bolzano nu isi da seama de ce il omorase robotul pe tovarasul lui desi raspunde corect si incearca si el.
Robotul voia adevărul, sensul profund, înţelegere, nu logica, nu informatie ..... cunoasterea, logica, informatia nu e de ajuns pt a ajunge la comoara.
Cam 2 stele ca nu am inteles exact toate subtilitatile
Muştele
Spilberg se lauda aici ca i-a sugerat lui Harlan Ellison sa scoata celebra Viziuni periculoase, gândite să violeze toate tabuurile şi reacţiile din epoca timpurie a SFului, sa deschida un nou drum, o noua directie. Iar aici avem una din din temele lui preferate cea a canibalismului psihic (cineva care se hraneste cu emotiile/simtamintele/sentimentele altora) . Prin 2316 are loc un accident sau ceva asemator cu o nava spatiala iar ce ramane / suprsvietuieste din personajul nostru, Cassiday, este recuperat de "cei aurii" (extraterestri cu dotari / puteri / cunostinte / tehnologie superioara, nu e clar daca a avut loc contactul omenirii cu acestia dar nici nu prea conteaza). Devine mult mai sensibil, era avid de o mulţime de lucruri noi, i-au modificat creierul - dar nu chirurgical ci intr-un mod mult mai fin, mai elegant, mai complex. Revine pe pamant se duce sa isi vada fostele neveste, le provoaca sentimente de oroare / teroare etc pe care le capteaza si trimite mai departe catre cei "aurii". Vampir de sentimente senzatii, dar nu vampir pur si simplu ci e un vampir care declanseaza aceste senzatii, "auriii" incercand astfel inteleaga rasa umana.
Slabutz, 2 stele
Hawksbill Station
Scrisa tot la indemnul lui Fred Pohl si transformata apoi intr-un roman.
Hawksbill Station este o colonie de pedeapsa prin exilare in timp, adica ca sa te pedepseasca nu te trimit in Guyana Franceza / Siberia / Canal ci te trimt in cambrianul indepartat, un miliard î.e.n. si de acolo nu se mai pot intoarce si le trimitem ceva provizii si materiale.. Daca le trimitem ceva resurse si provizii bine , daca nu , la fel de bine. Un exil pt opozantii politici, anarhisti, bolsevici, reactionari, revoluţionari, agitatori, subversivi. Transportatorul (il numeau Ciocanul) functiona numai intr un sens sa aduca oameni sau materile provizii. Inchisoare pe viata si nu prea aveai unde sa evadezi - echivalent pedepsei capitale. Ultimul noul venit nu prea are har de economie si nici de politica dar a fost trimis aici printre detinutii politici, unii dintre ei cu state vechi si cu chestii grave la activ.Noul venit era politist care investigheaza sistemujl de inchisori al vechiului guvern, calatoria in ambele sensuri temporale a devenit posibila, se pot intoarce de unde au fost trimisi si vor beneficia de tratament. Iar Barrett, cel mai vechi de aici si seful neoficial intra in panica, ceva de genul Inchisoarea Ingerilor - a devenit institutionalizat. Inchisoarea interioara vs inchirea exterioara, zidurile pe care te poti baza dupa ce 40 de ani ai fost in interiorul lor, zidurile fiind acum Cambrianul tarziu
Cam spre 3 stele
Pasagerii
A castigat Nebula si nominalizata la Hugo
Corpuri folosite pe post de vehicole pentru altii, numiti Pasagerii. Ei fac orice, cei "posedati" nu prea stiu ce au facut Pasagerii. Pasagerul alege gazda cand si cum vrea iar posesia e de ordinul zilelor. Daca Pasagerul se retrage dispar aproape toate amintirle liberul albitru si absenta acestuia? Posedarea poate provoca vicime printre gazde dar nu si printre Pasageri astia sunt decorporalizati si sunt prin preajma in cautarea de gazde pe care sa le "caladeasca" . Cogito ergo sum nu se mai poate aplica. De aici porneste discutia Cuget deci exist, dar cine cugeta si cine exista? Vampirism de gandire, pasagerii astia pot fi multe chestii: furia / ura / mila / etc ar putea fi pasagerii care ne imping sa facem nefacute? Nu cumva pasagerii astia se ascund adanc in vastul nostru creier si din cand in cand ies la suprafata ( mai des sau mai rar) si ne calaresc? Suntem liberi sau avem iluzia libertatii? Pasager - indoctrinare, spalare pe creier etc. Voinţa liberă contra determinismului.
Distantele dintre oameni se maresc din cauza controlului de catre Pasageri : ai fost/esti controlat, dupa aia nu mai vrei sa interactionezi cu cel cu care ai interactionat cat ai fost posedat. Esti urmarit si cand dai un semn de liberatare de liber arbitru de independenta, pac! vine Pasagerul sa iti bage mintile in cap.
Frica ca nu ai control, ca nu iti poti trai viata in mod constient si asa cum ai vrea, ca in orice clipa poa sa vina un Pasager si sa te calareasca. Asta poate fi si o aluzie la un regim totalitar cu controlul al oamenilor care traiesc sub regimul ala. Si dragostea / iubirea ar putea invinge? In cazul de fata nu prea poate.
3 stele
Aripi de noapte
Undeva in viitorul indepartat, in al treilea ciclu al civilizatiei umane,o lume fantastica Ghilde si reguli fanteziste, cu tot felul de ciudati (umani transformati /mutanti) exista contacte cu lumile exterioare / alte sisteme solare si exista extraterstrii. E un pamant dintr-un viitor indepartat care mai are urme ale celui pe care il cunoastem, numele de orase, locuri, continente au rezonante actuale. Pamantul era mai degraba in declin cu stralucirea ruinelor si a locurilor marete odinioara dar se pare ca prezentul nu era foarte roz .
Veghetori, Elfinii, Zburatoare, Stapanilor , Pelerinilor , Servitorilor, Meşteşugarilor, Scribilor, Comunicanţilor, Transportatorilor, Neutri, Indexatori (ce-o fi indexand astia?), Amintitori care notau tot si tineau minte tot. Nu foloseau calculatoare ci retele neuronale din creiere de la morti mentinute "in viata" pe post de acumulatori / rezervoare de informatii, au si un fel de dispozitive de comunicare informatii la nivel neuronal, exista centrale energetice construite în al Doilea Ciclu care pare ca a fost epoca industriala / post industriala. O umanitate modificata stratificata intr-o lunga dupa amiaza , vorba lui Aldriss.
... continuarea pe ... si vreme(a) e ca sa citim
August 20, 2025
A Nebula winner and Hugo nominee--short story from 1969 by Robert Silverberg, prolific and usually elegant writer.
As others have pointed out, it uses a theme of alien possession also found in Robert A Heinlein's 1951 novel "The Puppet Masters." It has however, a different vibe. "Puppet Masters" is chilling, scary 50's alien invasion stuff. "Passengers" is more in the mold of Frederic Brown or Charles Dumont; short, nasty and ambiguous.
The story is about Charles, an average guy is living in a world where "Passengers", alien spirits who can at any moment "ride" or take possession of a person's body and mind. Thereafter, the "mount" (person ridden) is (usually) amnesiac when they are released. Except maybe not this time. Charles remembers or seems to remember a sexual encounter with a woman. And he runs into the woman. He's sure it's her, though the custom in a world beset by "passengers" is never to acknowledge the events when one is being controlled against one's will.
The end is meant to shock; this is the 60's and Silverberg is pushing the boundaries of acceptable themes, especially sexual ones, in his fiction. He does this, from time to time, in his fiction.
Later, Frederick Pohl uses the same concept of alien possession in "We Purchased People" (1974) only this time, the possession is voluntary, in exchange for money or other reasons. But with a similar intended shock of a sexual nature at the end.
The concept of possession, whether by demon or alien is used a lot in fantasy, science fiction and horror writing (The Exorcist, Harry Potter, etc) The handling of the concept of possession here allows for an unreliable narrator, an ambiguous circumstance and a twist at the end.
As others have pointed out, it uses a theme of alien possession also found in Robert A Heinlein's 1951 novel "The Puppet Masters." It has however, a different vibe. "Puppet Masters" is chilling, scary 50's alien invasion stuff. "Passengers" is more in the mold of Frederic Brown or Charles Dumont; short, nasty and ambiguous.
The story is about Charles, an average guy is living in a world where "Passengers", alien spirits who can at any moment "ride" or take possession of a person's body and mind. Thereafter, the "mount" (person ridden) is (usually) amnesiac when they are released. Except maybe not this time. Charles remembers or seems to remember a sexual encounter with a woman. And he runs into the woman. He's sure it's her, though the custom in a world beset by "passengers" is never to acknowledge the events when one is being controlled against one's will.
The end is meant to shock; this is the 60's and Silverberg is pushing the boundaries of acceptable themes, especially sexual ones, in his fiction. He does this, from time to time, in his fiction.
Later, Frederick Pohl uses the same concept of alien possession in "We Purchased People" (1974) only this time, the possession is voluntary, in exchange for money or other reasons. But with a similar intended shock of a sexual nature at the end.
The concept of possession, whether by demon or alien is used a lot in fantasy, science fiction and horror writing (The Exorcist, Harry Potter, etc) The handling of the concept of possession here allows for an unreliable narrator, an ambiguous circumstance and a twist at the end.
January 22, 2024
This was an interesting, thought provoking little story. On the one hand...I've read stories with a similar premise before...but I'm pretty sure all of those were written after this one. The ending is a bit abrupt and by today's standards the main character's behavior doesn't quite pass the smell test. But...I think this one will stick with me a bit.
June 20, 2018
This story made me feel all sorts of strange. The story of how a man and a woman hook up, and then he pursues her in the hope of having sex with her again. The main character is predatory (and annoying, and creepy) and I think the woman's reaction of just going along with him was very unrealistic.
February 23, 2023
*Read as part of the "Masterpieces The Best Science Fiction of the Twentieth" Century by Orson Scott Card*
Aliens are here and they can hijack our bodies whenever they feel like that.
Ever woke up somewhere unexpected after getting black out drunk? Yeah, that, but aliens.
Aliens are here and they can hijack our bodies whenever they feel like that.
Ever woke up somewhere unexpected after getting black out drunk? Yeah, that, but aliens.
July 25, 2019
Proper Sci-Fi
This story is very good. It's Sci-fi that makes you pause and think unlike much modern stuff which seems not to. Silverberg is true master of Sci-fi.
This story is very good. It's Sci-fi that makes you pause and think unlike much modern stuff which seems not to. Silverberg is true master of Sci-fi.
April 21, 2023
Fine heart-rending story by SilverBob about a different kind of alien invasion.
August 27, 2024
good story. the ending is pretty horrifying, lol.
July 25, 2025
This un is a goodie
September 22, 2025
Пізнавально, але достобіса песимістично. Добре, що це коротке оповідання, бо роман занурив би у чорну прірву депресії.
March 2, 2017
This short story falls squarely under the New Years resolution to read better books. I am trying to expand my science fiction knowledge a bit by reading some of the classics and award winners. This short story is a Nebula award winner and it is easy to see why.
I loved the story, the writing and the mystery. It is hard to imagine that you can feel connected to characters and have mystery and be riveted in 18 pages, but I am here to tell you it is possible and amazing. I read this and kept thinking about how much a rip off "The Host" is from this short story. I like this version much better. Nothing says interesting reading like body possessing aliens and trying to live a normal life when you could be controlled at any time.
The story definitely had adult themes but it was done tastefully. It was a fantastic world in a very short number of words. My only complaint is that it was so short. I want to know what happens. This should have been a whole book. I'd read a whole book.
I loved the story, the writing and the mystery. It is hard to imagine that you can feel connected to characters and have mystery and be riveted in 18 pages, but I am here to tell you it is possible and amazing. I read this and kept thinking about how much a rip off "The Host" is from this short story. I like this version much better. Nothing says interesting reading like body possessing aliens and trying to live a normal life when you could be controlled at any time.
The story definitely had adult themes but it was done tastefully. It was a fantastic world in a very short number of words. My only complaint is that it was so short. I want to know what happens. This should have been a whole book. I'd read a whole book.
October 24, 2019
S.F. or the autobiographical confessions of its degenerate, hedonistic author? Either way, it's interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews