Pebble In The Sky is about a man named Joseph Schwartz who, after stumbling into a time machine experiment, gets transported thousands of years into the future. In a world where Earth is a despised backwater and its inhabitants are second-class citizens, he becomes embroiled in a struggle that could determine the fate of the galaxy.
Table of Content
Pebble In The Sky Book Summary
Joseph Schwartz, an elderly tailor, accidentally steps into a time machine experiment and is transported thousands of years into the future. He finds himself on a distant Earth, a despised planet in a vast galactic empire.
Earth's population is second-class citizens to the ruling planets and struggles under the oppressive Earth government. Schwartz is immediately captured by Earth's security forces and is subjected to the planet's harsh policies.
Dr. Affret Shekt, a prominent scientist, is working on a project that could reverse Earth's decline. His niece, Pola Shekt, a dedicated policewoman, is involved in the struggle against the Earth government.
Bel Arvardan, an archaeologist from a galactic hub world, arrives on Earth, convinced that it holds a pivotal place in the history of the galaxy. He seeks to uncover Earth's hidden past.
Joseph encounters a robot named Artemisia, a 'Mentor,' who exhibits a unique and complex personality, beyond the typical behavior of robots on Earth.
As the story unfolds, Schwartz discovers that he has been affected by the time travel, giving him a unique ability to understand and communicate with others telepathically.
He is taken to Dr. Shekt's laboratory, where a mishap leads to the discovery of a medical treatment that could extend human life indefinitely, known as 'the Eternity drug.'
The Earth government attempts to use the Eternity drug for political gain, while Bel Arvardan and Pola Shekt suspect it could mean the end of Earth's status as an outcast planet.
Conspiracies and political intrigue escalate as different factions fight for control of the drug. Joseph, with his new telepathic abilities, plays a crucial role in the struggle for power.
Bel Arvardan's investigation reveals that Earth was once the center of a vast galactic empire, and its present state is the result of a rebellion and subsequent isolation from the rest of the galaxy.
Through a series of encounters and revelations, the identity of Artemisia's master is disclosed as a being from the Galactic Hub, manipulating events on Earth.
In a climactic confrontation, the true potential of the Eternity drug is revealed, and its use transforms Earth's inhabitants and the planet itself, leading to a new era for the forgotten world.
The story ends with Earth rebuilding its place in the galactic community, and the characters, having played their parts in the struggle, move forward into an uncertain but hopeful future.
Pebble In The Sky Quotes
- The more you can change, the better you are.
- The truth of a proposition has nothing to do with its credibility.
- Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Pebble In The Sky Ending Explained
At the end of Pebble In The Sky, the culmination of intrigue and struggle finally leads to a decisive moment for Earth and the galaxy.
Using the Eternity drug, Earth undergoes a transformation, and its citizens are uplifted to a new level of existence, signaling the end of their second-class status.
Joseph Schwartz, having been vital to the events, returns to his own time, but not before leaving an indelible mark on Earth's future and the fate of the galaxy.
Characters in book Pebble In The Sky
- Joseph Schwartz: An elderly tailor from Chicago who is accidentally sent thousands of years into the future, where he becomes central to a galactic conflict.
- Policewoman Pola Shekt: A dedicated, intelligent Earth woman who is a key figure in the power struggles on the planet.
- Dr. Affret Shekt: A brilliant scientist and Pola's uncle, deeply involved in the political and scientific machinations of the future Earth.
- Bel Arvardan: An off-world archaeologist who arrives on Earth and is determined to uncover its hidden history and significance.
- Artemisia: A robot, or "Mentor" as they are known on Earth, with a unique and complex personality.
- Artemisia's Master: The unknown figure who controls Artemisia and whose true identity is a mystery throughout the story.
Key Lessons
- Adaptability is Key: The ability to change and adapt to new situations is crucial for survival and progress.
- Violence is Ineffective: Violence as a solution is often an indicator of incompetence and rarely provides lasting benefits.
- Truth Stands Alone: The truth or falsehood of a statement exists independently of its source or how it is perceived.
My Personal Opinion
Is Pebble In The Sky worth reading? Totally! I found it to be a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that delves into the human condition and the potential of the future. The depth of the story's impact is incredible.
I was fascinated by the intricate world-building and the political and philosophical themes that run through the plot. On the flip side, I felt that the pace in some parts was a touch slow, but this allowed for a richer exploration of the storyline. The book's focus on the 'little man' in a grand political play is both its strength and occasional weakness.
I would recommend Pebble In The Sky to readers who enjoy classic science fiction with a focus on society and politics. It's a great fit for those who appreciate stories that explore the impact of technology and time on the human experience.