Mating center

"The Mating Center" by Frank Belknap Long is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book explores a dystopian society where love and sexual attraction have been suppressed through biological manipulation and societal control, leaving only a select few "sex-privileged" individuals allowed to reproduce. The narrative follows the experiences of Teleman, a non-sex-privileged construction worker, as he grapples with newfound desires and uncovers the rebellion against this restrictive regime. The opening of "The Mating Center" introduces a highly controlled society that views love as a biological function stripped of emotional significance. Teleman experiences an unexplainable stir of desire as he encounters a beautiful woman, leading to a provocative interaction that hints at a breakdown in societal norms. As a monologue at a public gathering reveals the ruling caste's oppressive views toward passionate relationships, a bold female character stands up, expressing her refusal to conform. Tensions escalate as Teleman meets this woman and grapples with his suppressed instincts, setting the stage for the struggle against a system that punishes those who dare to embrace love and desire. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Frank Belknap Long Jr. was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).