Clifford D. Simak
Anni Senza Fine

Since DeB offers the possibility of reviewing books, I take this opportunity to present this unforgettable masterpiece that I had the chance to read years ago. Debaser Eye Section - subsection Books - vol 1.0.

Simak (1904-1988) was certainly one of the greats of SF and this novel of his is definitely to be counted among the best in this literary genre. Over the years, Science Fiction has (unfortunately and mistakenly) often been defined as a sub-genre, whereas in reality, great writers have ventured into creating incredible works. Sure, most of the novels are mediocre and predictable because they almost always deal with the same topics, but if you have the patience (and the time!) to search (as in music), you can find memorable works. Actually, this is not really a classic novel, the original title is "City," but a series of interconnected stories written between '44 and '71.

This book is important because it manages to propose new concepts compared to the usual science fiction adventures. Simak's novels often take place in rural settings, partly because he spent his childhood in the countryside (southwestern Wisconsin), which significantly influenced his way of thinking and seeing the world, almost at a genetic level. In an almost 'revealing' old interview, Simak said: "Technology is positive when it provides comfort and leisure time when it improves our way of living", which I think is true but only partially because certain 'flavors' and 'sensations' of the rural world in our increasingly technological society seem to be 'dissolving' inexorably.

The book describes a complex universe full of emotions and 'humanity' where the figures of man, robot, dog, and finally ants intertwine in a simple and complex structure at the same time (it sounds strange but that's how it is). Man has emigrated to Jupiter, while on Earth, only dogs, some humans, and the key character of the whole book, the robot Jenkins, remain in the 'House of Webster' as the only testimony of man's existence. The house is therefore seen as a symbol with multiple meanings, not only of the human race but also of the pastoral life that no longer exists but remains so to speak, intact thanks to the presence of the robot. Jenkins is certainly the most famous robot alongside Daniel Oliwaw (the one created by Asimov), but his characteristics are much more fascinating. In fact, around the year 9000, he will discover the ability to penetrate the Shadow Worlds... Jenkins will continue to guard the memories until (after a million years) he is forced to leave the house and the planet, unforgettable is the phrase: "But a robot cannot cry...".

Equally essential is the 'figure' of the dog, which will be given the ability to speak, making it appear as an extension of Man. This 'animal' is also endowed with parapsychic abilities that will allow it to investigate through the 'Shadows.' But the various aspects of this book do not end here, both because it is difficult to explain them all exhaustively and because I do not want to reveal them all; otherwise, what fun would there be in reading it? Suffice it to say that this 'novel' is a page-turner (when I read it, I listened to Barclay James Harvest in the background), and while reading, you might almost be tempted to ask yourself: "Did Man really exist?"

In conclusion, it is a book recommended to everyone, and I believe it will not disappoint you, indeed, maybe in the end, you might feel a bit like crying.

CHRONOLOGY OF THE "CITY" CYCLE 1) 2008 (John J. Webster) - City (Astounding, May '44). 2) 2117 (Jerome A. Webster) - Huddling Place (Astounding, July '44). 3) 2183 (Bruce Webster) - Census (Astounding, September '44). 4) Circa 3070 - Desertion (Astounding, November '44). 5) Circa 3080 (Tyler Webster) - Paradise (Astounding, June '46). 6) Circa 4100 (Jon Webster) - Hobbies (Astounding, November '46). 7) Circa 9000 Aesop (Astounding, December '47). 8) Circa 14000 - Trouble With Ants (Fantastic Adventures, January '51), The Simple Way (1952). 9) 1,000,000 Epilog (The John W. Campbell Memorial Anthology, '73). If you like this writer, I also recommend: "Ring Around the Sun," "The House with the Black Windows," "They Walked Like Men," "Forbidden Pilgrimage," and "Eternity Road." Should this proposal of mine (sorry if it wasn't particularly effective, but it's a first experiment) have even a minimal response in comments, I could subsequently propose other books, not only Science Fiction but also other literary genres, always time permitting given various commitments and condominium wars (more than Star Wars). A science fiction greeting to all.