The Stars My Destination

If I could reread any book for the first time I’d choose Alfred Bester’s “The Stars My Destination” (or as it is known in the UK “Tiger! Tiger!”). Readers say that “The Stars My Destination” is a futuristic version of The Count of Monte Cristo condensed into 250 pages. The novel is truly that good!

The Stars My Destination was published in 1956 and later became a staple of the cyberpunk movement which occurred in the 70’s and 80’s. William Gibson even wrote a great little piece on how “The Stars My Destination” and Alfred Bester influenced him.

The book opens with anti-hero Gully Foyle stranded among the wreckage of his own ship. He is the only survivor of his crew and he’s been drifting in space for one-hundred and seventy days. Then along comes a ship, which doesn’t see him, but he sees it, and the ship goes along without him. At that moment he decides that if he gets out of his circumstance he will seek revenge on that ship.

A major factor in this book too is the act of teleporting, in “The Stars My Destination” it’s referred to as “jaunting”. This ability plays a huge role in this world but it has its limitations.

The book is a must-read for science fiction fans and honestly one of the best novels I’ve ever read. Highly recommended.