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The Triune Man
Originally published in 1976, Richard A. Lupoff's The Triune Man was decades ahead of its time. The Triune Man was the first attempt to treat the superhero as an iconic figure, important to the modern psyche. Praised by critics and fans alike when it first appeared, The Triune Man was also published in England, France, and Germany. Out of print for three decades, this important novel has become a sought-after collectible. Surinam Turtle Press is proud to make it available once more.
- GenresScience Fiction
250 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 1977
About the author
Richard A. Lupoff
223 books41 followersRichard Allen "Dick" Lupoff (born February 21, 1935 in Brooklyn, New York) is an American science fiction and mystery author, who has also written humor, satire, non-fiction and reviews. In addition to his two dozen novels and more than 40 short stories, he has also edited science-fantasy anthologies. He is an expert on the writing of Edgar Rice Burroughs and has an equally strong interest in H. P. Lovecraft. Before becoming a full-time writer in 1970 he worked in the computer industry.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 7, 2012
This book may rate a bit less than the full "4" because it is a little choppy in places, but I give the author a little extra for the concept. "Triune" refers to the number three and, as in this book, things which have three things or aspects. Except in this book, three isn't three: it's four, or six, or seven, or eight - depending on how you choose to count it.
Note: As in most of my reviews, I dance around the specifics of the plot and characters, but that isn't because I don't want to share what I liked. Instead, it is more that I usually want to paint the bigger picture and instill in another reader the desire to pick up the book for themselves (if I liked it.) And, yes I enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.
In the past I've read book by Mr. Lupoff that are parody/comedy, and books about historical things (like "The Comic-Book Book"), and mysteries (e.g. the two "something-something Killer" books that I recently reviewed). I have pretty much been impressed by his skills and virtuosity no matter what the genre, length, or style of writing. This book is no exception.
In "The Triune Man" he draws on his affection for comic books, his ability to develop plots and pacing, science fiction "standards", and past events from the real world 9and his own lifetime). As noted above, in places the story seemed a bit choppy and maybe certain transitions could have been smoother, but at the cost of a longer narrative. The book definitely keeps you on your toes even if you can guess ahead here or there.
When it was originally published, the events of the Second World War were only 30 years in the past. Now, it has been 70 or so and the dramatic passages derived from it may be diluted for younger readers. I found his integration of dark and serious actions along with the classic superhero-type action-cum-mystery storyline to be very unique. Not only do they provide marked contrast to each other, but also to the other two "worlds" that make up the rest of the book.
I can enjoy books in many ways and books of very different types, as well. It isn't so often that a single author has the range and expertise to write well across a wide spectrum. using only fingers and toes I can probably count off those that I believe do so successfully. So far, Mr. Lupoff is included in that select group.
Note: As in most of my reviews, I dance around the specifics of the plot and characters, but that isn't because I don't want to share what I liked. Instead, it is more that I usually want to paint the bigger picture and instill in another reader the desire to pick up the book for themselves (if I liked it.) And, yes I enjoyed this book and hope you will, too.
In the past I've read book by Mr. Lupoff that are parody/comedy, and books about historical things (like "The Comic-Book Book"), and mysteries (e.g. the two "something-something Killer" books that I recently reviewed). I have pretty much been impressed by his skills and virtuosity no matter what the genre, length, or style of writing. This book is no exception.
In "The Triune Man" he draws on his affection for comic books, his ability to develop plots and pacing, science fiction "standards", and past events from the real world 9and his own lifetime). As noted above, in places the story seemed a bit choppy and maybe certain transitions could have been smoother, but at the cost of a longer narrative. The book definitely keeps you on your toes even if you can guess ahead here or there.
When it was originally published, the events of the Second World War were only 30 years in the past. Now, it has been 70 or so and the dramatic passages derived from it may be diluted for younger readers. I found his integration of dark and serious actions along with the classic superhero-type action-cum-mystery storyline to be very unique. Not only do they provide marked contrast to each other, but also to the other two "worlds" that make up the rest of the book.
I can enjoy books in many ways and books of very different types, as well. It isn't so often that a single author has the range and expertise to write well across a wide spectrum. using only fingers and toes I can probably count off those that I believe do so successfully. So far, Mr. Lupoff is included in that select group.
November 2, 2023
A slow-burning story that is actually 3 stories in 1, each interweaving and paralleling the other to tell the tale of an exceptional man and the destruction of his world. The Triune Man explores the psyche of a Jewish man and his 3 alternate personalities; Buddy Satvan the comic writer, Roland L. K. Washburn the neo-nazi, and Auburn Sutro the engineer.
The depiction of DID is about as accurate as Moon Knight or any other fictional story. Lupoff uses plenty of levity to describe serious topics like mental illness, Nazis, concentration camps, death, and more, which is greatly needed for such heavy topics. Lupoff also uses a fun reoccurring theme of “three”: 3 alternate personalities, 3 plot lines, 3 Yakshis, 3 supercomputers, etc. reinforcing the title “Triune Man”.
The book can be disorienting, somewhat intended, but some of my confusion was never resolved, thus taking it down from a 5-star rating. Why is there two backstories of how baby Pieter ended up in a concentration camp? Why are there angels on Sravasti and what is their purpose? But despite these lingering questions, I would still highly recommend this book for any fan of fiction looking for something different and introspective.
Story 1: Buddy Satvan is a comic illustrator/writer who is accused of killing a man, but which personality pulled the trigger and why is unknown. Buddy is stuck in a mental hospital specializing in multiple-personality disorder (known today as dissociative identity disorder). While Dr. Ettman attempts to reunite his patient's separated personalities, Buddy's boss plans to steal away his Diamond Sutro comic.
Story 2: Is about Diamond Sutro, Buddy's popular superhero comic and genius scientist, presented to us readers as writer’s notes to the illustrator.
Story 3: Is about Sravasti, an alien planet at the center of the universe, and its inhabitants, the Yakshis. They have abducted Buddy Satvan to task him with saving the universe from an all-powerful, burning force devouring all of existence.
The depiction of DID is about as accurate as Moon Knight or any other fictional story. Lupoff uses plenty of levity to describe serious topics like mental illness, Nazis, concentration camps, death, and more, which is greatly needed for such heavy topics. Lupoff also uses a fun reoccurring theme of “three”: 3 alternate personalities, 3 plot lines, 3 Yakshis, 3 supercomputers, etc. reinforcing the title “Triune Man”.
The book can be disorienting, somewhat intended, but some of my confusion was never resolved, thus taking it down from a 5-star rating. Why is there two backstories of how baby Pieter ended up in a concentration camp? Why are there angels on Sravasti and what is their purpose? But despite these lingering questions, I would still highly recommend this book for any fan of fiction looking for something different and introspective.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews