The Sleeper Is a Rebel

Name: The Sleeper Is a Rebel
Author: Bryce Walton

In a dystopian future, a man named Deker grapples with his identity as an "Abnormal" in a society that values conformity and perfection. After a period of isolation in the wilderness, he surrenders to the authorities, realizing he cannot live alone. The Federation, a utopian regime, mandates that individuals like Deker must volunteer for "Nirvana," a euphemism for extermination, to maintain societal order. Deker's attempts to fit into this rigid system have failed, leading to his disillusionment with the prescribed roles and conditioning imposed on citizens. During his encounter with the Psych Council, Deker expresses his disdain for the Federation's ideals and the futility of his existence as a lathe worker. He learns that the scientist Brenn, who oversees the experimental labs, is also an Abnormal but has managed to conceal his status. Brenn reveals his role in creating Deker's abnormality through deliberate manipulation of embryos, aiming to preserve humanity through suspended animation experiments. He believes that individual development is essential for survival against potential threats to civilization. As Deker prepares for his fate, he contemplates the nature of existence and the cost of societal perfection, ultimately succumbing to the sedative effects of the encystment process.

By Bryce Walton · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure · 9 chapters · 21,959 words

First lines

With bitter resignation Deker faced the two immaculately clothed Psych Staffmen. His figure was gaunt, wild, that of a savage anachronism. His dirt-caked face cracked in a wry smile.

The staffmen's faces showed fear.

What this Textopian page supports

The Sleeper Is a Rebel is listed on Textopian as a novel by Bryce Walton, dated 1970 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: 1970 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure, Psychological thriller
Length: 21,959 words
Structure: 9 chapters, 541 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Sleeper Is a Rebel by Bryce Walton
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The book involves themes of dystopian futures, rebellions and psychological manipulation which are common in science fiction.
Dystopian — The book presents a vision of a future society characterized by suffering, oppression, and societal collapse, characteristic traits of the dystopian genre.
Adventure — The plot involves the character's active struggle against oppressors which aligns with elements of an adventure genre.
Psychological thriller — Psychological manipulation is a major theme in the book as the sleeper is coerced into becoming a rebel, fitting the psychological thriller genre.