Imitation of Death by Lester Del Rey
The novel explores the concept of a world where death has been eradicated due to advanced medical technology and social engineering. The story follows a young woman who begins to question the morality of this society when she discovers that her own life is being manipulated by those in power. As she delves deeper into the truth, she realizes that the cost of immortality is not just physical but also emotional and psychological. The characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and the true nature of their existence. The novel raises questions about the value of human life, the meaning of death, and the impact of a society without mortality on individual freedom and creativity.
By Lester Del Rey · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller, Dystopian · 7,542 words
First lines
_Councilman Curtis would never cooperate with Max Fleigh's plans for overthrow. But a duplicate of Curtis, a simulacrum which could not be distinguished from the real man, would follow Fleigh's orders to perfection. And one man, Jeremiah Greek, knew the secret of making the duplications._
What this Textopian page supports
Imitation of Death is listed on Textopian as a novel by Lester Del Rey, dated 1952 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: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller, Dystopian, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 7,542 words
- Structure: 1 section, 123 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Imitation of Death 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 Imitation of Death?
- 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?
Similar titles
- The Crimson Circle by Edgar Wallace
- Dangerous Quarry by Jim Harmon
- The Contact Point by Jack Sharkey
- Jewel Mysteries by Max Pemberton
- The Psilent Partner by John Victor Peterson
- Kate Plus 10 by Edgar Wallace
Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around advanced technology, including simulacra and space travel, which are central themes in science fiction.
- Thriller — The narrative includes elements of suspense, deception, and political intrigue, characteristic of thriller genres.
- Dystopian — The setting features a society with oppressive political structures and a focus on control, typical of dystopian literature.
- Adventure — The characters engage in a high-stakes mission involving space travel and conflict, aligning with adventure genre conventions.
Tags
Science Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Detective Story · Psychological Thriller · Crime Fiction · Suspense · Police Procedural · Forensic Science · Medical Mystery · Death Investigation · Murder Mystery