Echo Round His Bones

Echo Round His Bones is a 1967 science fiction novel that explores the unintended consequences of matter transmission technology. Set in a near-future world where the US military can instantly transport people and supplies to Mars, the story centers on Captain Nathan Hansard's experiences after his own transmission. The military base housing the matter transmitter becomes the focal point for a complex situation involving phantom duplicates - exact copies of transmitted people who remain on Earth in an altered state of existence. These duplicates can pass through solid objects and remain invisible to the original world, while being able to interact with other transmitted copies. The narrative follows Captain Hansard as he navigates this shadow world, seeking allies among other duplicates while avoiding hostile groups who have emerged in this parallel existence. The novel examines themes of identity, survival, and the price of technological advancement, presenting a unique take on the classic science fiction concept of matter transportation.

Readers describe this as a slim, experimental novel that plays with concepts of duplicates and parallel realities. The core science fiction premise interests many, but opinions skew mixed-to-negative on the execution. Readers appreciated: - Complex ideas about consciousness and reality - Fast-moving plot - Unique take on teleportation technology - Compact length that doesn't overstay its welcome Common criticisms: - Confusing narrative structure - Underdeveloped characters - Dated Cold War elements - Abrupt ending that leaves questions unanswered One reader noted it "reads like a prolonged thought experiment rather than a story." Another called it "intellectually engaging but emotionally distant." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (41 ratings) Amazon: 3.5/5 (6 ratings) The book has limited reviews online, with most coming from science fiction enthusiasts and Disch completists rather than general readers.

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The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester A teleportation breakthrough transforms society while one man's quest for revenge leads him through multiple dimensions of space-time.

More Than Human by Theodore Sturgeon Six outcasts merge their consciousness and abilities into a single entity, challenging the definition of human evolution.

Blood Music by Greg Bear A scientist's cellular experiments result in a chain reaction that transforms human consciousness and reality at the molecular level.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman A soldier experiences the effects of time dilation and physical displacement through advanced technology while fighting an interstellar war.

🔬 The concept of matter transmission in science fiction was first popularized by "Star Trek" in 1966, just one year before this novel's publication in 1967. 🚀 Author Thomas M. Disch was part of the New Wave science fiction movement, which emphasized literary sophistication and psychological depth over traditional space opera. ⚡ The novel's exploration of teleportation physics was influenced by real scientific discussions of quantum teleportation, though the actual physics wouldn't be demonstrated until 1993. 📚 Disch also wrote children's literature under a pseudonym, including "The Brave Little Toaster," which later became an animated film. 🎯 The book's original publication coincided with NASA's early Mars exploration efforts, including the Mariner 4 mission which provided the first close-up photographs of Mars in 1965.