The novel explores the tensions between science and art through the story of a group of intellectuals who are disillusioned with the values of modern society. They see themselves as outsiders, rejecting the materialism and conformity that they believe have corrupted the world. The protagonist is a scientist who has become increasingly disenchanted with the scientific community's emphasis on practical applications over pure research. He joins a group of like-minded individuals who share his concerns about the dehumanizing effects of modern technology. As the story unfolds, the Malcontents' critiques of society are revealed to be shallow and self-serving. They are more interested in their own intellectual superiority than in genuinely challenging the status quo. The novel ultimately presents a bleak view of the human condition, suggesting that even those who claim to be outsiders are often trapped by their own biases and prejudices.
By C.P. Snow · First published 1959 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Political Fiction · 29 chapters