Time Enough at Last By: Lyn Venable
Time Enough at Last by Lyn Venable is a thought-provoking and beautifully written short story that explores the timeless theme of solitude and the power of imagination. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the reader is introduced to the bookish and introverted protagonist, Henry Bemis. Bemis, a bank teller by profession, finds solace in the company of books, desperately seeking solace from a mundane and monotonous life. However, he is constantly met with a lack of understanding and frustration from those around him, who fail to comprehend his passion for reading. Trapped in a loveless marriage and an unsatisfying job, Bemis's only sanctuary lies within the pages of the books he devours. The story takes a dramatic turn when a catastrophic event wipes out humanity, leaving Bemis as the sole survivor. Initially, he feels a sense of liberation, believing that he has finally found his utopia where he can indulge in his passion without any distractions. The surrounding devastation serves as an ironic backdrop for Bemis's newfound freedom. However, as time passes, the harsh reality of his situation becomes painfully evident. Bemis's glasses, his only aid for reading, are accidentally shattered, leaving him virtually blind and rendering his beloved books useless. This twist of fate unveils the true essence of the story, emphasizing the tragic irony of a man with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, who is ultimately denied the ability to read. Venable's prose captivates the reader from the very beginning, effortlessly evoking both sympathy and admiration for Bemis. Her portrayal of the protagonist's longing for intellectual stimulation is relatable to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or stifled by societal expectations. Furthermore, her vivid descriptions of the desolate post-apocalyptic world effectively convey the isolation and despair that Bemis must endure. One of the most poignant aspects of Time Enough at Last is its exploration of the limitless power of the human imagination. Through Bemis's character, the author highlights the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of complete desolation. Bemis finds solace in daydreaming and constructing elaborate scenarios in his mind, a reminder of the profound impact that literature and imagination can have on even the most dire circumstances. While the story is relatively short, Venable manages to pack a powerful punch with her writing style and thematic depth. She raises profound questions about the nature of human existence, the importance of companionship, and the fragility of our dreams and aspirations. Time Enough at Last is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Whether you are a lover of post-apocalyptic fiction, a book aficionado, or simply someone searching for a story that prompts introspection, this short story is sure to resonate with you. Venable's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make Time Enough at Last an absolute must-read. First Page: Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction January 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. The atomic bomb meant, to most people, the end. To Henry Bemis it meant something far different a thing to appreciate and enjoy. Time Enough At Last By Lynn Venable For a long time, Henry Bemis had had an ambition. To read a book. Not just the title or the preface, or a page somewhere in the middle. He wanted to read the whole thing, all the way through from beginning to end. A simple ambition perhaps, but in the cluttered life of Henry Bemis, an impossibility. Henry had no time of his own. There was his wife, Agnes who owned that part of it that his employer, Mr. Carsville, did not buy. Henry was allowed enough to get to and from work that in itself being quite a concession on Agnes' part. Also, nature had conspired against Henry by handing him with a pair of hopelessly myopic eyes. Poor Henry literally couldn't see his hand in front of his face. For a while, when he was very young, his parents had thought him an idiot. When they realized it was his eyes, they got glasses for him. He was never quite able to catch up... Continue reading book >>

Time Enough at Last By: Lyn Venable

Time Enough at Last by Lyn Venable is a thought-provoking and beautifully written short story that explores the timeless theme of solitude and the power of imagination. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the reader is introduced to the bookish and introverted protagonist, Henry Bemis.

Bemis, a bank teller by profession, finds solace in the company of books, desperately seeking solace from a mundane and monotonous life. However, he is constantly met with a lack of understanding and frustration from those around him, who fail to comprehend his passion for reading. Trapped in a loveless marriage and an unsatisfying job, Bemis's only sanctuary lies within the pages of the books he devours.

The story takes a dramatic turn when a catastrophic event wipes out humanity, leaving Bemis as the sole survivor. Initially, he feels a sense of liberation, believing that he has finally found his utopia where he can indulge in his passion without any distractions. The surrounding devastation serves as an ironic backdrop for Bemis's newfound freedom.

However, as time passes, the harsh reality of his situation becomes painfully evident. Bemis's glasses, his only aid for reading, are accidentally shattered, leaving him virtually blind and rendering his beloved books useless. This twist of fate unveils the true essence of the story, emphasizing the tragic irony of a man with an insatiable hunger for knowledge, who is ultimately denied the ability to read.

Venable's prose captivates the reader from the very beginning, effortlessly evoking both sympathy and admiration for Bemis. Her portrayal of the protagonist's longing for intellectual stimulation is relatable to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or stifled by societal expectations. Furthermore, her vivid descriptions of the desolate post-apocalyptic world effectively convey the isolation and despair that Bemis must endure.

One of the most poignant aspects of Time Enough at Last is its exploration of the limitless power of the human imagination. Through Bemis's character, the author highlights the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of complete desolation. Bemis finds solace in daydreaming and constructing elaborate scenarios in his mind, a reminder of the profound impact that literature and imagination can have on even the most dire circumstances.

While the story is relatively short, Venable manages to pack a powerful punch with her writing style and thematic depth. She raises profound questions about the nature of human existence, the importance of companionship, and the fragility of our dreams and aspirations.

Time Enough at Last is a literary gem that leaves a lasting impression on its readers. Whether you are a lover of post-apocalyptic fiction, a book aficionado, or simply someone searching for a story that prompts introspection, this short story is sure to resonate with you. Venable's skillful storytelling and nuanced character development make Time Enough at Last an absolute must-read.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction January 1953. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

The atomic bomb meant, to most people, the end. To Henry Bemis it meant something far different a thing to appreciate and enjoy.

Time Enough At Last

By Lynn Venable

For a long time, Henry Bemis had had an ambition. To read a book. Not just the title or the preface, or a page somewhere in the middle. He wanted to read the whole thing, all the way through from beginning to end. A simple ambition perhaps, but in the cluttered life of Henry Bemis, an impossibility.

Henry had no time of his own. There was his wife, Agnes who owned that part of it that his employer, Mr. Carsville, did not buy. Henry was allowed enough to get to and from work that in itself being quite a concession on Agnes' part.

Also, nature had conspired against Henry by handing him with a pair of hopelessly myopic eyes. Poor Henry literally couldn't see his hand in front of his face. For a while, when he was very young, his parents had thought him an idiot. When they realized it was his eyes, they got glasses for him. He was never quite able to catch up... Continue reading book >>

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