She Knew he was Coming
The story revolves around a young woman who has been living alone on a remote planet after her husband's death. She receives a message that he will be returning to Earth and she must prepare for his arrival. As the day of his return approaches, she becomes increasingly anxious and isolated, struggling with the prospect of confronting her past and the reality of their relationship. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, grief, and the complexities of human relationships through the woman's inner monologue and interactions with the planet's environment. The story builds towards a climactic confrontation that challenges the woman's perceptions of herself and her husband. Throughout the narrative, the author employs a unique blend of science fiction and psychological realism to create a sense of unease and tension, raising questions about the nature of identity, memory, and human connection in the face of loss and isolation.
By Kris Neville · First published 1958 · Genre: Science Fiction, Drama, Romance · 6,461 words
First lines
Outside, the bluish sun slanted low across the green dust of the Martian desert, its last rays sparkling on the far mountain tops. One by one, lights flickered on in the city.
"Mary must be expecting that Earthman," Anne said. She held her glastic blouse tight together over her breasts and leaned a little out of the window.
What this Textopian page supports
She Knew he was Coming is listed on Textopian as a novel by Kris Neville, 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: Kris Neville
- Date: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary, Dystopian
- Length: 6,461 words
- Structure: 1 section, 268 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for She Knew he was Coming by Kris Neville
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering She Knew he was Coming?
- How does this novel by Kris Neville fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Counterweight by Jerry Sohl
- The Sensitive Man by Poul Anderson
- Desire No More by Algis Budrys
- Sam This Is You by Murray Leinster
- Lost In The Future by John Victor Peterson
Genres
- Science Fiction — The setting on Mars and the presence of space travel indicate a futuristic and speculative context.
- Drama — The emotional struggles and interpersonal conflicts among the characters highlight dramatic themes.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic relationships and the protagonist's feelings for an Earthman.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques societal norms and the exploitation of women, reflecting on themes of agency and autonomy.
Tags
Science Fiction · Short Story Collection · Anthology · Speculative Fiction · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · Thriller · Suspense · Paranoid · Alien Invasion · First Contact · Human Condition