Ennui: Restored Classics to Go Edition
Jul 2026 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
11
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About this ebook
When Gerald comes home to find his wife Gloria with another man, Phil, outrage gives way to something far stranger: a power to make people vanish simply by declaring them unreal. What begins as a savage marital humiliation quickly becomes a darkly comic experiment in solipsism, as Gerald starts to believe he alone may truly exist. Emboldened by this discovery, he removes Phil, a workplace rival, and then anyone else who inconveniences or disappoints him. As his boredom grows, Gerald's cruelty widens from one woman to all women, then to scientists, planets, galaxies, and finally the entire universe. Each act of denial strips reality further of balance, reproduction, and purpose, turning existence into a hollow joke. Yet absolute control brings no meaning, only emptiness. In the end, Gerald is left alone in a featureless void, forced to confront the possibility that his own identity was just another illusion. Darkly satirical and bleakly absurd, this story turns a fantasy of power into a devastating joke about ego, boredom, and the cost of mistaking control for significance. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.
When Gerald comes home to find his wife Gloria with another man, Phil, outrage gives way to something far stranger: a power to make people vanish simply by declaring them unreal. What begins as a savage marital humiliation quickly becomes a darkly comic experiment in solipsism, as Gerald starts t...
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About the author
Stephen Marlowe, born Milton Lesser on August 7, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prolific American author renowned for his contributions to science fiction and mystery genres. Marlowe's literary journey began in the 1950s, a golden era for speculative fiction, where his imaginative storytelling quickly garnered attention. Under his real name and various pseudonyms, he penned numerous works that captivated readers with their inventive plots and complex characters.Marlowe's most enduring legacy lies in his creation of the Chester Drum series, a collection of hard-boiled detective novels that cemented his reputation in the mystery genre. His ability to blend suspense with psychological depth set him apart from his contemporaries, influencing a generation of crime writers.A notable controversy in Marlowe's career was his outspoken criticism of the McCarthy-era censorship, which he believed stifled creative freedom. This stance endeared him to many fellow writers and readers who valued artistic expression.Marlowe's work often explored themes of identity and existentialism, reflecting the broader cultural anxieties of the Cold War period. His innovative narrative techniques and willingness to tackle complex philosophical questions resonated with readers and writers alike, paving the way for more introspective and nuanced storytelling in genre fiction.Stephen Marlowe's contributions to literature were recognized with several accolades, including the French Grand Prix de Littérature Policière. He continued to write until his death on February 22, 2008, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge modern readers and writers.
Stephen Marlowe, born Milton Lesser on August 7, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, was a prolific American author renowned for his contributions to science fiction and mystery genres. Marlowe's literary journey began in the 1950s, a golden era for speculative fiction, where his imaginative storytellin...
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