영어로 읽는 고전 _ 로버트 W. 크렙스의 과거로부터의 복수
"로버트 W. 크렙스의 '과거로부터의 복수'는 20세기 중반에 쓰인 공상과학 소설입니다. 이야기는 숨어서 생존해 온 네안데르탈인들이 세상에 오랫동안 잊혀진 후 인류에 대한 복수를 꾀하는 재부상을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 플롯은 주인공인 레이 롤린스가 자신의 혈통에 대한 계시와 그것이 그의 가족과 인류에게 지니는 의미를 이해하려고 고군분투하면서 펼쳐집니다. 이야기 속에서, 레이 롤린스는 그의 사촌인 빌 커프를 만나게 되는데, 커프는 그들이 '옛 동료들'이라고 알려진 그룹과 연결된 네안데르탈인 조상을 공유하고 있다고 밝힙니다. 커프는 그들의 종족을 위해 지구를 되찾고자 하며, 레이의 형제인 하워드가 개발 중인 우주 정거장을 장악하기로 결심합니다. 오래된 원한이 표면화되면서, 레이는 임신한 아내 네사를 구하려는 시도를 하면서 커프와 옛 동료들이 가하는 위험을 헤쳐나가야 하는 갈등 속으로 던져집니다. 이야기는 우주 정거장에서의 긴장된 전투로 절정에 이르며, 레이는 인류를 구하고 그의 아이를 위한 미래를 확보하기 위해 그의 조상 혈통이 가하는 물리적, 실존적 위협 모두에 맞서야 합니다. 이 책은 정체성, 혈통, 그리고 우리 안에 거주하는 원초적 본능의 주제를 탐구합니다."
Classics Read in English _ Vengeance From the Past by Robert W. Krepps
"Vengeance From the Past" by Robert W. Krepps is a mid-20th century science fiction novel that explores the resurgence of Neanderthals who have survived in hiding and now seek retribution against humanity after centuries of obscurity. The narrative centers on Ray Rollins, who must confront the startling revelation of his own prehistoric heritage and its profound implications for both his family and mankind as a whole.
The story unfolds when Ray encounters his cousin Bill Cuff, who reveals their shared Neanderthal ancestry connected to a group known as the Old Companions. Driven by ancient grudges and a desire for dominance, Cuff plans to reclaim Earth for their kind and is determined to seize control of a space station being developed by Ray's brother, Howard. This ambitious project represents humanity's future—making it both symbolically and strategically significant in the conflict between species.
As ancestral vendettas rise to the surface, Ray finds himself thrust into a perilous situation where he must navigate the dangers posed by Cuff and the Old Companions while desperately trying to protect his pregnant wife, Nessa. The narrative builds toward a tense confrontation aboard the space station, where Ray must face both the physical threat of his Neanderthal relatives and the existential questions about his own identity to save humanity and secure a future for his unborn child.
Through this conflict, Krepps masterfully explores themes of identity, genetic heritage, and the primal instincts that may lie dormant within human DNA. The novel raises provocative questions about evolution, the persistence of ancient rivalries, and how the past might unexpectedly intrude upon the present, challenging characters to define themselves by their choices rather than their biological inheritance. With its blend of action, psychological depth, and speculation about human origins, "Vengeance From the Past" offers a compelling examination of what truly defines humanity.
Among the contents
It started during the program. The little noises were there but I didn't pay any attention to them, and I don't know now whether I thought they were the wind and the rain or maybe some realistic sound effects on tv. Of course they were the small sounds made by the two things that wanted to get into my house. They tried the doors, turning the knobs and pressing their bodies against the panels, and then they prowled around testing the windows. They were as silent as cobras but windows pushed or doors shoved will make some noise and so the little creaks were there but I paid no attention to them.
Then I got the feeling that someone was looking at me.
Nuts. My background as a fiction writer was getting under my skin. Someone watching me, my God, from where? The French windows behind me? Who'd be out in this downpour? I was glad my wife Nessa was asleep upstairs. With a baby on the way she needed her rest. Just to ease my rippling spine, I'd give a quick glance over my shoulder.
I did.
서평(Book Review)
로버트 W. 크렙스의 '과거로부터의 복수'는 20세기 중반 SF 소설로, 숨어서 생존해온 네안데르탈인들이 인류에 대한 복수를 꾀하는 이야기를 그립니다. 주인공 레이 롤린스는 사촌 빌 커프로부터 자신이 '옛 동료들'이라는 네안데르탈인 집단의 후손임을 알게 되고, 커프가 레이의 형제 하워드가 개발 중인 우주 정거장을 장악하려는 계획에 맞서게 됩니다. 임신한 아내 네사를 지키며 인류의 미래를 수호하기 위한 레이의 투쟁은 정체성, 유전적 유산, 그리고 인간 DNA에 잠재된 원초적 본능에 관한 깊은 탐구를 제공합니다.
"Vengeance From the Past" by Robert W. Krepps is a mid-20th century science fiction novel depicting Neanderthals who have survived in hiding and now seek revenge against humanity. Protagonist Ray Rollins learns from his cousin Bill Cuff that he's descended from a Neanderthal group called the "Old Companions," and must confront Cuff's plan to seize a space station being developed by Ray's brother Howard. Ray's struggle to protect his pregnant wife Nessa while safeguarding humanity's future offers a profound exploration of identity, genetic heritage, and the primal instincts that may lie dormant within human DNA.
필명으로 과학소설과 판타지 작품을 발표했습니다. 피츠버그에서 태어나 플로리다에서 생을 마감한 그는 1945년 "Wink Van Ripple"이라는 작품으로 문학계에 데뷔했습니다. 그의 작품은 주로 'Fantastic Adventures'와 'Imagination' 같은 잡지에 실렸으며, "The Buttoned Sky"와 "The Giants from Outer Space" 같은 상상력 넘치는 작품으로 기억됩니다. 크렙스는 과학소설 외에도 서부 소설, 역사 소설, 모험 이야기를 썼고, 'The Courts of the Lion'과 같은 작품을 발표했습니다. 그는 또한 'Beatrice Brandon'이라는 여성 필명으로 고딕 로맨스를 집필했으며, 영화의 소설 버전도 여러 편 썼습니다. 그의 과학소설은 대부분 스페이스 오페라 장르였으며, 그가 남긴 작품의 절반은 과학소설과 판타지였고, 나머지 절반은 서부물과 아프리카 모험 이야기였습니다.
Robert Wilson Krepps (1919-1980) was an American writer who primarily published science fiction and fantasy works under the pseudonym "Geoff St. Reynard." Born in Pittsburgh and passing away in Florida, he made his literary debut in 1945 with "Wink Van Ripple." His works frequently appeared in magazines like "Fantastic Adventures" and "Imagination," and he is particularly remembered for imaginative novellas such as "The Buttoned Sky" and "The Giants from Outer Space." Beyond science fiction, Krepps wrote western novels, historical fiction, and adventure stories, publishing works like "The Courts of the Lion." He also wrote gothic romances under the female pseudonym "Beatrice Brandon" and created novelizations of films. His science fiction was mostly in the space opera genre, and while about half of his literary output consisted of science fiction and fantasy, the other half comprised westerns and African adventure tales.