Moon of memory

"Moon of Memory" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around themes of escape, identity, and the search for happiness in a dystopian future, specifically on the red planet Mars and its moon, Deimos. This narrative engages with the psychological and emotional struggles of its protagonist in a society that has repressive socio-political structures. The plot follows the character Barstac, an infamous criminal who escapes from a Martian prison with the help of Marian Sayers, a wealthy and adventurous woman who is infatuated with the notion of his legend. After evading capture, Barstac's focus is on reaching Deimos, a mysterious place said to offer an otherworldly escape from reality. Throughout their journey, Barstac becomes caught in a web of memories and emotions, as he grapples with his past and a profound betrayal by Marian, who later reveals her motive rooted in vengeance over her deceased husband, a victim of Barstac’s violent past. As they encounter the enigmatic Martians, who harbor deep therapeutic powers, the novel explores the complexities of remorse, escapism, and the possibility of redemption in a world steeped in forgotten joys. Ultimately, the book confronts the dual nature of human existence—caught between dreams and harsh realities. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Bryce Walton was an American pulp fiction writer.