Marley's Chain

"Marley's Chain" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. Set in a dystopian future following a catastrophic societal upheaval known as the Revolt, the story explores themes of discrimination, identity, and the struggle for survival in a world that has turned against certain groups of people, particularly the "Sharkies," who are seen as marginalized and oppressed. The narrative follows Tam Peters, a man returning to Earth after eight years of forced labor in the asteroid rings. Upon his return, he confronts job discrimination and the harsh realities of a society that has changed drastically. Desperate to find employment, Tam faces repeated rejection and hostility due to his identity as a Sharkie. His attempts to appeal to an old friend, Dave Hawke, who now holds a position of authority in the bureaucratic system, ultimately lead to disillusionment as he realizes the extent of societal prejudice. In a gripping climax, exhausted by the endless struggle, Tam resorts to violence, hoping that a prison sentence offers a form of security and relief compared to a life of relentless hardship and starvation. The story culminates as it poignantly reflects on themes of betrayal, despair, and the enduring scars of systemic injustice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alan Edward Nourse was an American science fiction writer and physician. He wrote both juvenile and adult science fiction, as well as nonfiction works about medicine and science. His SF works sometimes focused on medicine and/or psionics.