<영어로 읽는 SF소설 _ 키스 라우머의 스파이가 된 영웅>
“End as a Hero“는 키스 라우머(Keith Laumer)가 1963년에 출판한 공상과학 소설이다.
이 소설은 외계의 침략에 맞서 싸우다 돌아온 병사가 오히려 적의 스파이로 의심받는 비극적 상황을 그리고 있다. 인류를 위해 싸웠지만 동료들과 조국으로부터 배신당한 주인공의 처지가 안타까움을 자아낸다.
“End as a Hero“ is a science fiction novel published in 1963 by Keith Laumer.
This novel depicts a tragic situation in which a soldier who returns from fighting against an alien invasion is suspected of being an enemy spy. The plight of the protagonist, who fought for humanity but was betrayed by his comrades and homeland, evokes regret.
Summary
Granthan's mission was the most vital of the war.
It would mean instant victory—but for whom?
The protagonist, Granthan, wakes up in a lifeboat critically injured after contact with the alien race Gool. Barely surviving thanks to the lifeboat's medical cabinet, he sends a distress signal to the space station to return to Earth.
Upon receiving the signal, Colonel Ausar Kayle asks about the fate of the other crew members and the circumstances of the accident, and Granthan explains that the spaceship was destroyed by Gool and that he is the only survivor.
However, Colonel Kayle raises the possibility that Granthan may have been mentally controlled by Gool and informs him that he cannot be returned to Earth. Gool is a cruel enemy, capable of manipulating even loyal people without their knowledge.
Granthan is furious, but the colonel just tells him to stay in orbit and wait for instructions.
Keith Laumer (1925-1993)는 미국의 과학 소설 작가로, 주로 1950년대부터 1980년대까지 활동했다. 그의 작품들은 주로 과학 소설, 판타지, 스파이 스릴러 등 다양한 장르에 걸쳐 있으며, 특히 특이한 캐릭터와 창의적인 전개로 유명하다.
작가의 주요 작품은 다음과 같다.
1. Retief Series: Retief는 국제 외교 기구에서 활동하는 외교관으로, 불합리한 비서 관리와 대립적인 외계 생명체들과의 협상에서 유머와 풍자를 가미한 이야기가 특징이다.
2. Bolo Series: 이 시리즈는 거대하고 강력한 전투 로봇인 Bolo에 관한 이야기로, 인류를 보호하고 싸우는 고무적인 캐릭터들이 등장한다.
3. A Trace of Memory: 이 소설은 주인공이 자신의 아이덴티티와 과거를 되찾기 위해 사건의 뒤를 추적하면서 고전적인 장르를 탐험한다.
Keith Laumer은 그의 작품을 통해 사회 비판과 유머, 그리고 인류의 도전과제에 대한 논의를 하며 독창적인 세계를 구축하는 데 중점을 두고 있다. 그의 작품은 여전히 과학 소설 팬들 사이에서 인기가 있으며, 그의 창의적인 사고와 풍부한 상상력으로 잘 알려져 있다.
Keith Laumer (1925-1993) was an American science fiction writer, active primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s. His works mainly span a variety of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and spy thrillers, and are especially famous for their unusual characters and creative development.
The author's major works are as follows:
1. Retief Series: Retief is a diplomat active in an international diplomatic organization, and the story is characterized by humor and satire in negotiations with unreasonable secretarial management and conflicting alien life forms.
2. Bolo Series: This series is about Bolo, a huge and powerful battle robot, and features inspiring characters who fight and protect humanity.
3. A Trace of Memory: This novel explores a classic genre as the protagonist traces events to regain his identity and past.
Through his works, Keith Laumer focuses on social criticism, humor, and discussion of humanity's challenges, as well as building an original world. His work remains popular among science fiction fans, and he is well known for his creative thinking and rich imagination.