The Girl from Bodies, Inc by Randall Garrett
Hugh Horner, a middle-aged man feeling the weight of age, encounters a mysterious masseur who introduces him to the concept of "Bodies, Inc.," a company offering new, youthful bodies for a price. Intrigued yet skeptical, Horner is drawn into the idea of regaining his youth. After a strange encounter and a hypnotic experience, he finds himself in the body of a young convict named Lonnie Overman, serving a life sentence for murder. Horner, now in Overman's body, escapes from prison and returns to his wife, Jane, to prove his identity. He discovers that Overman, in Horner's body, has taken over his life. Desperate to reclaim his identity, Horner confronts Overman and the mysterious organization behind the body swaps. The story explores themes of identity, the desire for youth, and the consequences of tampering with one's life. Horner's journey is a struggle to regain his life and love, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the organization and a chance to prove his true identity through an electroencephalogram (E.E.G.), a unique brainwave pattern. The narrative concludes with Horner and Jane, both in youthful bodies, planning to live their lives fully, having learned the value of truly living rather than merely existing.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1971 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 14,041 words
First lines
_It's a darned shame that just when we get past the experimental / stage and learn how to have fun, the old body starts wearing out. / Now what if there were spare parts for sale? What if you could get / them installed on demand? A new heart, a new liver, a new -- well, / just suppose! _
"The trouble with bodies," said the new rub-down specialist at the Gotham Baths, "is that after a while they just wear out."
What this Textopian page supports
The Girl from Bodies, Inc is listed on Textopian as a novella by Randall Garrett, dated 1971 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1971 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Noir, Dark Humor
- Length: 14,041 words
- Structure: 1 section, 390 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Girl from Bodies, Inc by Randall Garrett
- 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
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative incorporates speculative technology and futuristic concepts that are emblematic of science fiction.
- Mystery — The plot involves investigating hidden agendas and unraveling corporate secrets.
- Thriller — A fast-paced, suspenseful storyline with high stakes creates a palpable sense of tension throughout.
- Noir — The work features a dark, gritty atmosphere with morally ambiguous characters and stylistic dialogue reminiscent of noir.
Tags
science fiction · dystopia · cybernetics · mystery · detective · crime · suspense · corporate intrigue · biopunk · techno-thriller · robotics · body modification