Pariah

"Pariah" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel set in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the life of Harry Allerton, a man who returns to Earth after spending three years in space, only to find that he has been presumed dead and his wife has remarried. The story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the psychological effects of living in isolation among the stars versus the complexities of life on Earth. The plot follows Harry Allerton as he navigates his unexpected return home, grappling with the fact that his wife, Nancy, has moved on with her life without him. Upon his arrival, he faces a harsh reality that his efforts to provide security for his family were in vain, as they had already adapted to his absence. Despite his initial excitement at returning to Earth, Harry finds himself feeling like a ghost, disconnected from the life he once knew. He struggles with lingering feelings for Nancy and a sense of loss over the years that he cannot reclaim, leading him to question what truly constitutes happiness and security. Ultimately, the novel paints a poignant picture of a man caught between the loneliness of space and the burdens of earthly responsibilities. (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.