<영어로 읽는 SF소설 _ 키스 라우머의 글레이브 행성 통치자>
“The Governor of Glave“은 키스 라우머(Keith Laumer)가 1963년에 출판한 공상과학 소설로, 외교관 Retief가 혁명이 일어난 Glave 행성에 파견되는 내용이다.
이 소설은 외교 현장에서 일어나는 갑작스러운 정세 변화와 이에 대처하는 외교관들의 모습을 리얼하게 그려내고 있다. 동료들이 위험을 회피하는 동안, 주인공은 문제 해결을 위해 앞장서는 결단력 있는 인물로 묘사되고 있다. 불안정한 정국 속에서 그가 어떤 활약을 펼칠지 기대감을 불러 일으킨다.
“The Governor of Glave” is a science fiction novel published in 1963 by Keith Laumer about diplomat Retief being dispatched to the planet Glave, where a revolution has occurred.
This novel realistically depicts sudden political changes that occur in the diplomatic field and the diplomats who deal with them. While his colleagues are risk-averse, the protagonist is portrayed as a decisive person who takes the lead in solving problems. It raises expectations about what kind of performance he will perform in an unstable political situation.
Summary
The revolution was over and peace restored—naturally Retief expected the worst!
Retief is suddenly called to a meeting while playing dice with his colleagues on the spaceship. Ambassador Sternwheeler says that a revolutionary government of workers and peasants has emerged on the planet Glave, and he is wondering how to relate to them.
The ambassador says there was no violence because the former ruling class was in exile, but Retief questions whether they have the manpower to operate air purification systems, etc. At this time, a message from the revolutionary government arrives, warning against interference in internal affairs by foreign powers.
While debating whether to stay in orbit or send a delegation, the ambassador says he will give the opportunity to volunteer for any able-bodied and adaptable staff under the age of 40, and Retief decides to take the risk and go down to the planet... .
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.