The Return by H. Beam Piper (1958)
In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity has been reduced to small tribes and city-states. The story follows a young man who returns from a long journey to find his tribe in disarray and his family missing. He sets out to find them, encountering various obstacles and dangers along the way. The novel explores themes of survival, community, and the struggle for power in a harsh environment. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of violence. Throughout the book, the protagonist faces numerous challenges as he navigates the treacherous landscape and confronts the remnants of civilization. His journey is marked by moments of introspection and self-discovery, as he grapples with his own identity and purpose in a world that has been forever changed. Ultimately, the novel raises questions about the nature of humanity and what it means to be alive in a world that seems determined to destroy itself.
By H. Beam Piper · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian · 13,489 words
First lines
_The isolated little group they found were doing fine -- but their religion was most strange -- and yet quite logical! _
Altamont cast a quick, routine, glance at the instrument panels and then looked down through the transparent nose of the helicopter at the yellow-brown river five hundred feet below. Next he scraped the last morsel from his plate and ate it.
What this Textopian page supports
The Return is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Beam Piper, dated 1958 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H. Beam Piper
- Date: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 13,489 words
- Structure: 1 section, 223 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Return by H. Beam Piper
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future and explores advanced technology and societal reconstruction.
- Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and discovery in a new world setting.
- Dystopian — The plot features a society that has undergone collapse and is rebuilding, highlighting dystopian elements.
- Speculative Fiction — The book speculates on future societal developments and technological advancements.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate History · Time Travel · Adventure · Fantasy · Alternate Universe · Historical Fiction · Speculative Fiction · Alternate Reality · Parallel Universe · Temporal Paradox · Predestination