Viewpoint by Randall Garrett (1967)

Name: Viewpoint
Author: Randall Garrett

The narrative follows a man named Broom who awakens in an unfamiliar, technologically advanced environment after experiencing a disorienting journey through time. Initially disoriented, he struggles to piece together his memories and understand his surroundings. He recalls being imprisoned alongside an Italian named Contarini, who had spoken of the mind's ability to transcend time through contemplation. As Broom explores the strange room, he encounters bizarre objects and a view of a sprawling, futuristic city that overwhelms him. He grapples with fear and confusion, realizing he has traveled to a time far beyond his own. His memories are fragmented, and he feels a sense of urgency to return to his original time. Broom's exploration leads him to a hallway filled with locked doors, heightening his sense of entrapment. He recalls Contarini's words about fear and the mind's power, which adds to his anxiety. In a moment of clarity, he remembers who he is and where he belongs, prompting a rush of fear that sends him back into darkness. Upon regaining consciousness, he finds himself back in the prison cell with Contarini, who expresses disappointment that their escape has not yet been realized. Broom reflects on the weight of memory and the ties to his past, feeling unworthy of his title as a brave king. Meanwhile, in a modern setting, a man named Jasperson reports a strange encounter with Broom, who had appeared in his office, further emphasizing the story's exploration of time, identity, and the human experience.

By Randall Garrett · First published 1967 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 4,704 words

First lines

_A fearsome thing is a thing you're afraid of -- and it has nothing whatever to do with whether others are afraid, nor with whether it is in fact dangerous. It's your view of the matter that counts! _

There was a dizzy, sickening whirl of mental blackness -- not true blackness, but a mind-enveloping darkness that was filled with the multi-colored little sparks of thoughts and memories that scattered through the darkness like tiny glowing mice, fleeing from something unknown, fleeing outwards and away toward a somewhere that was equally unknown; scurrying, moving, changing -- each half recognizable as it passed, but leaving only a vague impression behind.

What this Textopian page supports

Viewpoint is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1967 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Randall Garrett
Date: 1967 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Psychological, Thriller
Length: 4,704 words
Structure: 1 section, 101 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Viewpoint 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

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Viewpoint?
How does this novel by Randall Garrett fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The plot revolves around time travel and the exploration of an unfamiliar future, which are central themes in science fiction.
Fantasy — Elements of fantasy are present through the surreal and otherworldly settings, as well as the exploration of concepts beyond normal reality.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey through an unknown environment and the quest for understanding and escape embodies classic adventure themes.
Psychological — The narrative delves into the protagonist's mental state, fears, and memory, highlighting psychological themes.