And there was Light
The novel is a science fiction story set on a planet where the inhabitants have evolved to live in a world of perpetual darkness. They possess a unique biological adaptation that allows them to perceive light through their skin, which is sensitive to even the smallest amounts of radiation. The protagonist is a young man who begins to experience strange visions and eventually discovers that he can see actual light. This ability sets him apart from his fellow beings and leads to a series of events that challenge the societal norms and values of his community. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the protagonist's newfound ability is not just a personal anomaly but also has significant implications for the entire planet. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the consequences of scientific discovery in a world where the rules are based on a fundamental misunderstanding of reality.
By Lester Del Rey · First published 1968 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Political Fiction · 4,327 words
First lines
When the enemy believes the worst of you, they won't settle for anything except the worst! Volcek believed his weapon would be humane, and less destructive than the dreaded fusion bombs.
Stefanie was still white and weak, but the worry on her face had nothing to do with her recent sickness as she rushed about the small, crudely furnished apartment, trying to appear normal. Johann Volcek studied his young wife, worrying more about her than the meeting for the moment.
What this Textopian page supports
And there was Light is listed on Textopian as a novel by Lester Del Rey, dated 1968 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Lester Del Rey
- Date: 1968 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Political Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Drama
- Length: 4,327 words
- Structure: 1 section, 79 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for And there was Light by Lester Del Rey
- 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 And there was Light?
- How does this novel by Lester Del Rey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around advanced scientific concepts, including nuclear fission and the implications of technology on society.
- Dystopian — The narrative explores a future society characterized by oppressive government control and the moral dilemmas of population control.
- Political Fiction — Themes of power, governance, and the ethical implications of state decisions are central to the story.
- Speculative Fiction — The work speculates on the consequences of scientific advancements and their impact on humanity.
Tags
Science Fiction · Post-Apocalyptic · Dystopian · Survival Story · Human Evolution · Evolutionary Biology · Speculative Fiction · Future Society · Environmental Disaster · Ecological Collapse · Scientific Experimentation · Genetic Engineering