THE LAND OF THE HEADLESS is set in a far future where mankind has taken his religious dogma and the divsions that result from it out into space. On a planet where society is shaped by a strict adherance to the word of God as laid out in the Old Testament and Quran a poet is accused of the rape of a woman. Found guilty he must face the punishment laid down in the Good Book; beheading. Beheaded, he is fitted with a neck valve, ordinator and basic sensory equipment and sent out into the world. But he bears a terrible and very visible stigma. the only way he can make a living is to join the army and serve in the war against the neighbouring planet. And plan his revenge against the man he believes is really guilty. LAND OF THE HEADLESS is a searing satire of religious fundamentalism, a novel of love and war and a study of self-delusion. It is an elegantly written, thought-provoking and unique SF novel.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"The first person narrative is as peculiar as it is brilliant, the satire subtle and discomforting and the level of invention impressive. One of current sci-fi's most original writers. Watch out for this one on the award shortlists." -- Matt Coward MORNING STAR "It's all that SF should be, packed with brilliant ideas and clever examinations of the human condition. So hats off, if not heads, to Roberts." -- Guy Hayley DEATHRAY "This is a subtle parable, in a grave, perfectly appropriate voice." -- Andrew McKie THE TELEGRAPH "Land of the Headless is a darkly satirical tale that extrapolates an absurd idea into something weirdly plausible. This is not escapist adventure but a dystopian vision in the tradition of Swift, Orwell and Atwood against the cruellest extremes of human stupidity." -- Lisa Tuttle THE TIMES "A self consciously mannered moral fable in the style of Gulliver's Travel's or Pilgrim's progress. A voyage of self-discovery that satirises war, fundamentalist religion and love." -- Dave Golder SFX "Often charming and thought-provoking. Audacious high concept." -- Dave Golder FOCUS
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Adam Roberts is 41 and Professor of 19th century Literature at London University. His first novel, Salt, was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award. He has also published a number of academic works on both 19th century poetry and SF, including the Palgrave Critical History of SF.
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This review is from: Land of the Headless (GollanczF.) (Paperback)
There are three crimes that result in beheading: Murder, rape and blasphemy. At the beginning of this splendid book, the protagonist is beheaded for "rape". The thing is, he is not killed. He now lives as one of the "headless" - a being whose consciousnes is stored in an electronic device near his waist.
The resulting tale is nothing short of brilliant. Social commentary also abounds. Adams is on a roll. Catch up with him! This book is a great place to start.
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