Internet Top 100 Short Stories Novellas, Novelettes
HomeHugosNebulas Locus Grand MastersNewbery

A Case of Conscience

James Blish
Hugo 1959

Bizarre attempt to reconcile Catholic religious beliefs with the reality of an alien race. Provides some interesting theological speculations (for those interested in this particular field) but the lengthy discussions detract from the story.

The Lithians, in spite of their dinosaur-like appearance, prove a compassionate and very likable race. The humans, on the other hand, in spite of their more appealing appearance (at least to us), prove extremely narrow-minded, cruel, and ignorant.

Much of the story based on "external recapitulation". While humans go through the stages of human evolution - from hydra to fish to amphibian to reptile to lower mammal in the womb; Lithians go through their similar process in the external world. All this creates a crisis of faith for our protagonist priest who endlessly struggles and suffers with with his confusion.

A few glimpses of insight into human nature as in a description of a soul-searching scientist drinking alcohol at a party "with the glum determination of a non-drinker who believes that he can perfect his poise by poisoning his timidity."

Much like Star Ship Troopers, the actual story is fairly good but unfortunately gets overshadowed by long-winded philosophical meanderings.

More opinions and discussion
(send your thoughts and we'll upload here)

Please email comments about this book or review to stroy@jade-mtn.com.

HomeHugosNebulas Locus Grand MastersNewbery
Internet Top 100Short StoriesNovellas, Novelettes