Philip Jose Farmer's Flesh feels like a drug induced haze where nothing feels right and very little makes sense most of the time. A space crew returns to Earth after an interstellar journey where relativistic time dilation brings them home 800 years into the future. They arrive to a planet almost unrecognizable to 20th century man. Societies have been balkanized into various religious cults with a focus on pagan fertility rites. The captain of the ship is declared a 'Sunhero' who sole function is to impregnate as many women as possible between the solstices after undergoing a procedure of horn grafting that amps his virility. The rest of his crew face various hardships in adjustment, until finally an exit strategy is formulated.
Farmer was telegraphing the impact of the sexual revolution of the 60's. Although 800 years may be sufficient for such a dramatic societal transition, the story still seems a bit crude and poorly executed. At the same time while the sexual emphasis was soft-pedaled (there is nothing graphic), there is also a tendency to violent expressions of routine activities and vigilante justice. While the tale may have resonated with its time, it has clearly not aged well.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021
Verified Purchase
" I read a lot of the author's work back in the 60's and 70's and this is not his best. But was still fun for "old times sake
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2016Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
I bought the paperback years ago and thorgohuly enjoyed, unfortunately during a clear out I got rid ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 14, 2016Verified Purchase
Get everything you need
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
