The Graveyard of Space

"The Graveyard of Space" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the vast and perilous expanse of space, specifically focusing on a treacherous area known as the Sargasso, where countless derelict ships drift, capturing the essence of human despair and the fragility of life in the cosmos. Through the narrative, the author explores themes of survival, madness, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships under extreme conditions. The plot centers on Ralph and Diane Meeker, a couple who find themselves in dire straits aboard their aging spaceship, the Gormann '87, after navigating into the Sargasso. As they confront the horrifying reality of countless abandoned ships and the specter of cannibalism among survivors, Ralph sets out on a desperate quest to find a working radar system essential for their escape. With time running short and air supplies dwindling, a series of tense and harrowing events unfolds, culminating in Ralph’s encounter with a deranged cannibal who has been driven mad by isolation. Ultimately, the ordeal forces both Ralph and Diane to reevaluate their lives and rekindle their relationship, choosing to prioritize their well-being over past failures, as they emerge from the Sargasso together. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Stephen Marlowe was an American author of science fiction, mystery novels, and fictional autobiographies of Goya, Christopher Columbus, Miguel de Cervantes, and Edgar Allan Poe. He is best known for his detective character Chester Drum, whom he created for the 1955 novel The Second Longest Night. Lesser also wrote using the pseudonyms Adam Chase, Andrew Frazer, C.H. Thames, Jason Ridgway, Stephen Wilder, and Ellery Queen.