Night of Delusions; Works of Subversion

This is not a book review, but a meditation upon the enemy prompted by a book.

The book is NIGHT OF DELUSIONS by Keith Laumer, a minor effort by an accomplished author whose accomplishments are all but unknown these days. This author is a particular favorite of mine, and always has been, and only recently did I come to realize that he is not as well known in science fiction circles as authors of frankly smaller skill and output. I cannot recall when last I saw any of his books even at the used bookstore. And I find it hard to understand why. (I hope to introduce his works to some readers who have not had the pleasure, and urge you to try him.)

The enemy is, of course, the one enemy. There is only one. More on him later.

This non-bookreview will read as if I am criticizing this book, or, rather, a single scene or a single line in the book. It will read as if I am criticizing the author. I am not. I adore this author.

I am criticizing the spirit of the age; I am criticizing subversion in literature as in life; and I am contenting with powers and principalities that have very little indeed to do with science fiction.

However, spoilers abound, since I discuss the surprise endings of several books below. Readers are warned.

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Originally published at John C. Wright's Journal. Please leave any comments there.