Cover of I, the Unspeakable

I, the Unspeakable

    I, the Unspeakable is a Victorian science fiction and classic fantasy novel by Walter J. Sheldon. Readers will find themes of man-woman relationships and Authoritarianism.

    On Project Gutenberg it was downloaded 356 times in the last 30 days.

    It is in the public domain in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg.

    About I, the Unspeakable

    "I, the Unspeakable" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set in a dystopian future, the story revolves around a conformist society where individuals are renumbered for efficiency, stripping them of their identities and breeding discontent among the populace. The book explores the themes of individuality, love, and rebellion against an oppressive regime, as the protagonist struggles with the implications of his unspeakable name—a word that represents a profound human emotion deemed dangerous by the state. The narrative follows the journey of a man who, identified by a four-letter name that symbolizes his nonconformity, navigates a bureaucratic maze in search of a way to change his identity to regain dignity and purpose. His quest leads him to an underground movement that challenges the norms of the totalitarian regime. Along the way, he encounters Lara, a woman whose voice captivates him in dreams and personal affairs, representing hope and rebellion. As the protagonist's journey unfolds, he grapples with the consequences of love and freedom in a world where such feelings are considered unspeakable and dangerous, ultimately leading him to an unexpected path of escape and liberation.
    Summary from Project Gutenberg (automatically generated)

    Themes, setting & tropes

    Genres

    Subjects

    • Science fiction
    • Man-woman relationships
    • Authoritarianism
    • Names, Personal

    Quick answers

    Who wrote I, the Unspeakable?

    I, the Unspeakable was written by Walter J. Sheldon.

    What genre is I, the Unspeakable?

    It is usually shelved as Victorian Science Fiction, Classic Fantasy and Classic Love Stories.

    Is I, the Unspeakable free to read?

    Yes. It is in the public domain in the United States and can be read free on Project Gutenberg in EPUB, Kindle and HTML formats.

    What books are similar to I, the Unspeakable?

    Readers who like it often enjoy Anthem, Space Station 1 and The Picture of Dorian Gray.

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