Big Pill By: Raymond Z. Gallun (1911-1994)
In "Big Pill" by Raymond Z. Gallun, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey into a futuristic world that challenges our ethical norms and raises important questions about the limits of human progress. The story is set in a not-too-distant future where a revolutionary medical breakthrough, known as the "big pill," promises to cure all diseases and extend human life indefinitely. Gallun's writing style is captivating, drawing readers into the narrative with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking dialogue. The protagonist, Dr. Alan Denham, is a complex character whose internal conflicts and moral dilemmas are expertly portrayed. As he delves deeper into the consequences of the big pill's invention, Denham begins to question whether this monumental scientific achievement is a true gift to humanity or a disguised curse. The book explores the darker side of utopian dreams, as the big pill's seemingly miraculous effects start revealing unforeseen consequences. Gallun skillfully builds suspense, gradually unveiling the alarming implications of the medical breakthrough. He presents a world where the line between life and death becomes blurred, raising profound questions about the essence of human existence and the importance of mortality. One of the book's strengths is its exploration of the societal implications of such a breakthrough. Gallun delves into the ethical dilemmas that arise as people grapple with the ramifications of living forever. He examines the potential for a dystopian future, in which disparities of wealth and power become even more pronounced, and the consequences of an increasingly crowded planet. Society's obsession with immortality, Gallun suggests, could lead to a loss of the very things that make life meaningful. The characters in "Big Pill" are well-developed, and their relationships add depth to the story. Denham's interactions with his colleagues, patients, and family provide insight into the varying perspectives on the big pill's impact. Gallun expertly conveys the emotional struggles faced by individuals who must decide whether to embrace eternal life or accept the natural cycle of existence. While "Big Pill" is a thought-provoking and engaging read, some readers might find the pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling slower than others. Additionally, Gallun introduces several intriguing subplots that are not fully explored, leaving lingering questions unanswered. However, these minor shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book. Overall, "Big Pill" is a timely and compelling exploration of the potential consequences of scientific progress and the pursuit of immortality. Gallun's writing skillfully combines elements of science fiction, ethics, and societal critique to deliver a thought-provoking narrative. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy philosophical explorations intertwined with thrilling storytelling, as well as those who appreciate science fiction that prompts reflection on our own world. First Page: Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from Planet Stories September 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed. BIG PILL By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN Child, it was, of the now ancient H bomb. New. Untested. Would its terrible power sweep the stark Saturnian moon of Titan from space ... or miraculously create a flourishing paradise colony? Under the glow of Saturn and his Rings, five of the airdomes of the new colony on Titan were still inflated. They were enormous bubbles of clear, flexible plastic. But the sixth airdome had flattened. And beneath its collapsed roof, propped now by metal rods, a dozen men in spacesuits had just lost all hope of rescuing the victims of the accident. Bert Kraskow, once of Oklahoma City, more recently a space freighter pilot, and now officially just a colonist, was among them. His small, hard body sagged, as if by weariness. His lips curled. But his full anger and bitterness didn't show. "Nine dead," he remarked into the radio phone of his oxygen helmet. "No survivors." And then, inaudibly, inside his mind: "I'm a stinkin' fool... Continue reading book >>

Big Pill By: Raymond Z. Gallun (1911-1994)

In "Big Pill" by Raymond Z. Gallun, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey into a futuristic world that challenges our ethical norms and raises important questions about the limits of human progress. The story is set in a not-too-distant future where a revolutionary medical breakthrough, known as the "big pill," promises to cure all diseases and extend human life indefinitely.

Gallun's writing style is captivating, drawing readers into the narrative with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking dialogue. The protagonist, Dr. Alan Denham, is a complex character whose internal conflicts and moral dilemmas are expertly portrayed. As he delves deeper into the consequences of the big pill's invention, Denham begins to question whether this monumental scientific achievement is a true gift to humanity or a disguised curse.

The book explores the darker side of utopian dreams, as the big pill's seemingly miraculous effects start revealing unforeseen consequences. Gallun skillfully builds suspense, gradually unveiling the alarming implications of the medical breakthrough. He presents a world where the line between life and death becomes blurred, raising profound questions about the essence of human existence and the importance of mortality.

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of the societal implications of such a breakthrough. Gallun delves into the ethical dilemmas that arise as people grapple with the ramifications of living forever. He examines the potential for a dystopian future, in which disparities of wealth and power become even more pronounced, and the consequences of an increasingly crowded planet. Society's obsession with immortality, Gallun suggests, could lead to a loss of the very things that make life meaningful.

The characters in "Big Pill" are well-developed, and their relationships add depth to the story. Denham's interactions with his colleagues, patients, and family provide insight into the varying perspectives on the big pill's impact. Gallun expertly conveys the emotional struggles faced by individuals who must decide whether to embrace eternal life or accept the natural cycle of existence.

While "Big Pill" is a thought-provoking and engaging read, some readers might find the pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling slower than others. Additionally, Gallun introduces several intriguing subplots that are not fully explored, leaving lingering questions unanswered. However, these minor shortcomings do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.

Overall, "Big Pill" is a timely and compelling exploration of the potential consequences of scientific progress and the pursuit of immortality. Gallun's writing skillfully combines elements of science fiction, ethics, and societal critique to deliver a thought-provoking narrative. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy philosophical explorations intertwined with thrilling storytelling, as well as those who appreciate science fiction that prompts reflection on our own world.

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from Planet Stories September 1952. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

BIG PILL

By RAYMOND Z. GALLUN

Child, it was, of the now ancient H bomb. New. Untested. Would its terrible power sweep the stark Saturnian moon of Titan from space ... or miraculously create a flourishing paradise colony?

Under the glow of Saturn and his Rings, five of the airdomes of the new colony on Titan were still inflated. They were enormous bubbles of clear, flexible plastic. But the sixth airdome had flattened. And beneath its collapsed roof, propped now by metal rods, a dozen men in spacesuits had just lost all hope of rescuing the victims of the accident.

Bert Kraskow, once of Oklahoma City, more recently a space freighter pilot, and now officially just a colonist, was among them. His small, hard body sagged, as if by weariness. His lips curled. But his full anger and bitterness didn't show.

"Nine dead," he remarked into the radio phone of his oxygen helmet. "No survivors." And then, inaudibly, inside his mind: "I'm a stinkin' fool... Continue reading book >>

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