The Stars My Destination

by Alfred Bester
The Stars My Destination cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 1907
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Publisher: Macmillan Reference USA
  • Published: 1975-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Gully Foyle, a man deemed unworthy by society, survives 170 days in the void of space after his ship is destroyed. Driven by a murderous grudge and in possession of a secret that could alter the course of history, he returns to Earth with a singular purpose. His journey is one of survival, transformation, and revenge, set against the backdrop of a sprawling interstellar society. /n/n Alfred Bester's classic novel is a groundbreaking work of science fiction that explores themes of identity, power, and the human condition. It introduces concepts like 'jaunting'—teleportation through space—which has become a staple of the genre. The book's influence can be seen in countless works that followed, making it a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast.

Reviews
I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2024-04-30
brilliant 4.50

The book showcases Bester's explosive talent and holds its own against other major works. The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking.

This reviewer found The Stars My Destination to be a standout piece of science fiction, highlighting Alfred Bester's unique and powerful storytelling. They praised the book's ability to captivate readers with its fast-paced and imaginative narrative. The themes explored in the book are deep and thought-provoking, making it a timeless classic. They believe that Bester's work is on par with some of the biggest names in the genre, and the novel's exploration of existential questions adds layers of depth to the story.

Quick quotes

    Overall The Stars My Destination shows that Alfred Bester was an explosive talent who can easily hold his own against some of the biggest names ...

    The novel is a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    Bester's exploration of existential themes adds a layer of depth to the story.

SFFWorld · 2022-09-17
intriguing 3.50

The book is gritty and unapologetic, with themes that were ahead of their time. The pacing is fast, but some elements may feel dated.

The reviewer at SFFWorld noted that The Stars My Destination is a gritty and unapologetic read, with themes that were quite forward-thinking for the 1950s. They appreciated the fast-paced narrative and the boldness of the story, but also acknowledged that some elements might feel dated to modern readers. The book's exploration of complex themes and its unflinching portrayal of certain scenes make it a memorable read, though not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    At times it is almost pulpy, it is grubby, it doesn't hold punches – there's a hint at a rape scene, for example!

    The pacing is fast and the narrative is engaging, but some elements may feel dated.

    The book's boldness and unapologetic approach to its themes make it a memorable read.

King of the Nerds · 2009-06-19
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel is seen as an existential work that delves into the meaning of life and personal beliefs.

This reviewer viewed The Stars My Destination as a profound existential exploration, focusing on the meaning of life and personal beliefs. They found the novel to be a classic that stands the test of time, with its themes resonating deeply with readers. The story's fast-paced nature and its ability to engage readers with its philosophical undertones were particularly praised. They believe that the book's enduring appeal lies in its timeless questions and its ability to make readers reflect on their own existence.

Quick quotes

    This novel is one of the classics and my take was that this was an Existential work, really about the meaning of life and what one believes.

    The story's fast-paced nature and its philosophical undertones make it a compelling read.

    The book's enduring appeal lies in its timeless questions and its ability to make readers reflect on their own existence.

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