Moon of Memory by Bryce Walton
The narrative follows Barstac, a man escaping from a Martian prison, driven by desperation and a longing for freedom. He encounters Marian Sayers, a wealthy woman intrigued by his notorious past, who helps him flee. As they journey to Deimos, a mysterious moon rumored to offer dreams and escape from reality, Barstac grapples with his violent past and the possibility of a new life. Marian, however, harbors her own motives, revealing a deep-seated hatred for Barstac, stemming from a traumatic event linked to her husband’s death at his hands. The story explores themes of memory, identity, and the human psyche, as Barstac confronts his past and the consequences of his actions. Upon reaching Deimos, the Martians, who possess advanced mental abilities, offer a form of therapy that blurs the lines between reality and dreams. Barstac experiences a profound journey through his memories, reflecting on lost happiness and the pain of his past. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a confrontation between Barstac and Marian, leading to a revelation about the nature of revenge and the possibility of redemption. The story concludes with Barstac finding solace in memories of joy, suggesting a complex interplay between suffering and the pursuit of happiness.
By Bryce Walton · First published 1972 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 4,121 words
First lines
_Barstac found it hard to believe that this girl had helped him escape -- until he learned her reason._
Barstac walked the mile across the red Martian plain. He felt but little emotion as he reached the resort building, and the sports rockets waiting on the other side. He had to get one of those rockets and get to Deimos -- or die trying. One would be about as good as the other.
What this Textopian page supports
Moon of Memory is listed on Textopian as a novel by Bryce Walton, dated 1972 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Bryce Walton
- Date: 1972 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Mystery, Drama
- Length: 4,121 words
- Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Moon of Memory by Bryce Walton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Moon of Memory?
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Similar titles
- The Lost Ego by Robert Silverberg
- Dark Recess by George O. Smith
- Troubled Star by George O. Smith
- Time Trap by Frank Belknap Long
- In His Image by Bryce Walton
- The Cosmic Snare by Stephen Marlowe
Genres
- Science Fiction — The title suggests astronomical elements, often found in science fiction. Bryce Walton is predominantly known as a science fiction writer.
- Adventure — Walton's works usually include exciting adventures or quests, hence this genre suits his writing style.
- Thriller — Walton's dramatic and suspenseful writing style often qualifies his work as Thriller.
- Mystery — The element of 'Memory' in the title indicates a possible mystery to be solved or a concealed truth.
Tags
science fiction · memory · identity · human experience · technology · dystopia · psychological · exploration · alien encounters · time travel · existentialism · narrative structure