Transfer Point

"Transfer Point" by Anthony Boucher is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity are slowly being wiped out by a new toxic element in the air, agnoton, which causes severe allergic reactions, rendering them unable to breathe. It explores themes of survival, love, and the nature of existence through the experiences of the remaining characters. The narrative follows Vyrko, the last man on Earth in a secluded retreat along with Lavra and her father, the scientist Kirth-Labbery. As the situation grows desperate due to the arrival of deadly yellow bands from an unknown source, Vyrko grapples with his role in preserving humanity through his writings. The interplay between hope and despair unfolds as he and Lavra's relationship develops amidst the backdrop of societal collapse. When Kirth-Labbery hints at the existence of a time machine, the story leads to an unexpected twist involving time travel, forcing Vyrko to confront both his past and future, ultimately questioning the cyclical nature of existence and the impact of his choices. The tale culminates in a poignant exploration of love and identity against an extraordinary sci-fi setting. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Anthony Parker White, better known by his pen name Anthony Boucher, was an American author, critic, and editor who wrote several classic mystery novels, short stories, science fiction, and radio dramas. Between 1942 and 1947, he acted as reviewer of mostly mystery fiction for the San Francisco Chronicle. In addition to "Anthony Boucher", White also employed the pseudonym "H. H. Holmes", which was the pseudonym of a late-19th-century American serial killer; Boucher would also write light verse and sign it "Herman W. Mudgett".