This Immortal

Summary

The novel «This Immortal» by Roger Zelazny tells the story of Conrad Nomikos, an immortal man with a mysterious past, living on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The planet has been severely damaged by nuclear war and environmental disasters, and its population now consists of mutants and surviving humans. Conrad, working for Earth's government, is tasked with accompanying Vega, a representative of the alien Vegan race, on a tour of the planet. The Vegans are considering colonizing Earth, and Conrad must show them the sights and cultural landmarks. Throughout the journey, Conrad encounters various dangers and reveals his supernatural abilities. He also reflects on his past, his mission, and the future of Earth. The novel explores themes of immortality, responsibility, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Main Ideas

• Post-apocalyptic world: Earth has suffered a catastrophe, and much of the planet is in ruins, setting the backdrop for the story.
• Immortality and its consequences: The protagonist, Conrad Nomikos, possesses immortality, raising questions about the meaning of life and moral dilemmas.
• Cultural heritage and identity: The book explores themes of preserving cultural heritage and personal identity amidst global changes.
• Conflict between humanity and aliens: The interaction and confrontation between humans and the Vegan race, who seek to colonize Earth.
• Ethics and morality: The novel examines questions of ethics and morality in the context of survival and the rebuilding of civilization.

Historical Context and Significance

«This Immortal» by Roger Zelazny, published in 1966, is a significant work in the science fiction genre. The book won the Hugo Award in 1966, highlighting its high recognition in literary circles. Zelazny's work explores themes of immortality, responsibility, and environmental destruction, making it relevant even today. The book is also known for its unique style and rich mythological undertones, which have influenced subsequent works in the genre. «This Immortal» remains a significant contribution to science fiction, inspiring new authors and readers alike.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Conrad Nomikos - the main character, an immortal man with a disfigured face, who works on Earth as a commissioner of arts and monuments. Throughout the book, he struggles with internal conflicts and external threats, protecting his planet from alien invaders and restoring its culture and heritage.
• Cassandra - Conrad's wife, who supports him in his mission and helps him cope with his immortality and inner demons.
• Phil - an alien from Vega, who comes to Earth to study its culture. Initially, he seems to be an antagonist, but as the story progresses, his relationship with Conrad becomes more complex and nuanced.
• George - a friend and ally of Conrad, who assists him in his mission to protect Earth.

Style and Technique

Roger Zelazny's novel «This Immortal» is distinguished by its unique style, blending elements of science fiction and mythology. The author employs a rich and expressive language, filled with metaphors and symbols. Zelazny masterfully weaves mythological motifs into the science fiction context, creating a multi-layered narrative. Literary techniques include frequent use of the protagonist's internal monologue, allowing a deeper understanding of his thoughts and feelings. The story's structure is non-linear, with numerous flashbacks and digressions, adding depth and complexity to the plot. The dialogues are lively and dynamic, often filled with irony and sarcasm, giving the text a particular sharpness. Overall, Zelazny's style in this novel can be characterized as poetic and philosophical, with an emphasis on the characters' inner experiences and their interaction with the surrounding world.

Interesting Facts

• The main character, Conrad Nomikos, is immortal and has multiple names and identities, making him a complex and multifaceted character.
• The novel is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been devastated by nuclear war and is now inhabited by mutants and other strange creatures.
• Conrad Nomikos is a guardian of ancient Greek culture and mythology, giving the book a unique cultural context.
• The book touches on themes of ecology, survival, and human nature, making it relevant even today.
• The novel won the Hugo Award in 1966, sharing it with another renowned science fiction work.

Book Review

«This Immortal» by Roger Zelazny is a vivid example of post-apocalyptic science fiction that combines elements of mythology and philosophy. Critics note that Zelazny masterfully creates the atmosphere of a ruined world where the main character, Conrad Nomikos, faces moral and ethical dilemmas. Special attention is given to the depth of the characters and their internal conflicts, making the book not just an adventure novel but also a serious reflection on human nature and immortality. Zelazny's style, rich in metaphors and allusions, has also been highly praised for its poetic and expressive quality. Overall, critics consider «This Immortal» one of the author's best works, deserving attention from both fans of the genre and those seeking deep philosophical questions in literature.