Trouble with LichenA “sharp, amusing story” (The Guardian) about the fountain of youth and its implications for women’s rights, by one of the twentieth century’s most brilliant—and neglected—science fiction and horror writers, whom Stephen King called “the best writer of science fiction that England has ever produced.” “It was a genius move for John Wyndham to center an age-slowing narrative on women, who are still today pressured to remain youthful-looking forever, or succumb to social invisibility. . . . Wyndham was uniquely gifted at skewering humankind’s foibles while maintaining a shred of hope that our better angels would prevail.”—Kate Folk, from the introduction What if humans discovered the secret to prolonged life? Francis Saxover and Diana Brackley, two biochemists investigating a rare lichen, separately discover that it has a remarkable property: It slows the aging process almost to a halt. Francis, realizing the horrifying implications of an ever-youthful wealthy elite, decides to keep his findings a secret. But the younger and more daring Diana sees an opportunity to overturn the male status quo and free women from the career-versus-children binary—in short, a chance to remake the world. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
afraid allergy announcement antibiotic Antigerone anyway asked beauty began better biochemistry certainly clients considered course crowd Daddy damn darling Darr House dear Diana Brackley Diana nodded Diana told discovery door expect eyes face father feel Francis Saxover Francis told Francis's frowned Galway Bay gave girl give going hand happened hundred idea Jane Janet Tewley JOHN WYNDHAM kind knew Kraken Wakes Lady Tewley later lichen lichenin live longer looked marriage matter mean Midwich Cuckoos mind Miss Benbow Miss Brackley Miss Brendon Miss Tallwyn morning never Paul paused perhaps pretty Radar Richard round Sarah seaweed seems shook her head smiled someone sort stared stuff suddenly sure talking Taplow tell termite Tertius there's thing thought thoughtfully took trouble TROUBLE with LICHEN turned voice what's Wilberry woman women wonder Wyndham young Zephanie Zephanie's