Seconds: A novel [Import] [Unknown Binding]

David Ely (Author)

Product Details

• Unknown Binding: 181 pages
• Publisher: Deutsch (1964)
• ASIN: B0000CM2AM
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ever wish you could chuck everything and just start over?, April 6, 2007

By 

Henry W. Wagner (Rockaway, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seconds (Hardcover)

Are you frustrated with your life? Tired of your boring, mundane existence? Ever wish you could chuck everything and start over? Seconds is the story of a man who does just that, and lives to regret it.

Seconds' protagonist (whom we know only by his adopted name of Wilson) procures the exclusive services of a mysterious organization, which, for a price, creates new lives for its customers. After carefully arranging the demise or disappearance of a client, this organization then surgically alters that client's appearance. After a long period of convalescence and physical training, the client is provided with a new identity and alternative lifestyle.

Most clients quickly adapt to their new lives, but some, like Wilson, have a harder time. Wilson longs for the life he gave up, but finds, upon investigation, that he is not really missed by his family and acquaintances. The organization, which depends upon secrecy for survival, cannot tolerate such backsliding and brings Wilson back into the fold. Eventually realizing that his old life is in fact over, Wilson blithely resigns himself to the new, only to discover he has forfeited both. The brutal ending, while expected, is still shocking, primarily because Wilson doesn't see it coming.

Seconds is a tight, disturbing little book, one which proves the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it." After finishing, you'll probably conclude that your present life, no matter how humdrum or challenging it may be, is not so bad after all.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This novel was made into a great movie., May 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Seconds (Hardcover)

As a movie buff,and I like to see how the screen plays
are made,I bought the book so I could see the propensity
that was sought after the book was reviewed and made into
a movie.The movie starred Rock Hudson and this was his best
role that he ever acted in.This movie and of course the book
makes the book,and the movie come alive again.Read the book
or see the movie if you can find it,oh yea it will remind you
of " THE TWILIGHT ZONE".Well the choice is yours.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars chilling, December 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Seconds (Hardcover)

A truly masterful tale on why science has its limitations. Combined with a breathless, harrowing narrative style, the book will give you an unhappy feeling as you read how the main character is slowly locked away and euthanized as a failed project. It makes you think...