The Smiler By: Albert Hernhuter
The Smiler by Albert Hernhuter is a thought-provoking narrative that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Set in a dystopian society, the story follows the journey of the protagonist as he grapples with inner turmoil and confronts the realities of his surroundings. One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Hernhuter's vivid and evocative writing style. The descriptive passages allow readers to immerse themselves fully in the bleak world he has created. The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he skillfully paints a picture of the protagonist's environment, capturing both the physical landscape and the emotional atmosphere. Furthermore, the character development in The Smiler is of great significance. The protagonist's internal struggle, as he questions the ethical dilemmas he encounters, is portrayed with complexity and depth. The author expertly highlights the protagonist's internal conflicts, presenting them in a way that invites readers to empathize and reflect on their own belief systems and values. It is worth mentioning that the pacing of the plot in this novel is impeccable. Hernhuter manages to maintain a constant grip on the reader's attention by introducing twists and turns at unexpected intervals. The sense of suspense and mystery is meticulously woven throughout the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. On a thematic level, The Smiler delves into thought-provoking ideas regarding identity, conformity, and societal expectations. Through the protagonist's journey, Hernhuter prompts readers to question the nature of individuality and the sacrifices one might have to make to fit into societal norms. The novel acts as a cautionary tale, urging readers to contemplate the consequences of denying one's true self. While The Smiler excels in many respects, some readers may find the storyline and themes of the novel quite dark and somber. The author does not shy away from exploring the depths of despair and struggles of the human condition, which may not appeal to those seeking a lighthearted or uplifting read. Overall, The Smiler is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel that captivates readers from start to finish. Hernhuter's exceptional storytelling skills, coupled with his ability to create complex characters and a captivating world, make this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. The novel's exploration of identity and the consequences of societal conformity bring a fresh perspective to the genre and leave readers pondering the implications long after turning the final page. First Page: Have you ever written science fiction? Have your stories been rejected? Herein may lie the reason. The Smiler By Albert Hernhunter "Your name?" "Cole. Martin Cole." "Your profession?" "A very important one. I am a literary agent specializing in science fiction. I sell the work of various authors to magazine and book publishers." The Coroner paused to study Cole; to ponder the thin, mirthless smile. The Coroner said, "Mr. Cole, this inquest has been called to look into the death of one Sanford Smith, who was found near your home with a gun in his hand and a bullet in his brain. The theory of suicide has been " " rather hard to rationalize?" The Coroner blinked. "You could put it that way." "I would put it even stronger. The theory is obviously ridiculous. It was a weak cover up. The best I could do under the circumstances." "You are saying that you killed Sanford Smith?" "Of course." The Coroner glanced at his six man jury, at the two police officers, at the scattering of spectators. They all seemed stunned. Even the reporter sent to cover the hearing made no move toward the telephone. The Coroner could think of only the obvious question: "Why did you kill him?" "He was dangerous to us." "Whom do you mean by us ?" "We Martians, who plan to take over your world... Continue reading book >>

The Smiler By: Albert Hernhuter

The Smiler by Albert Hernhuter is a thought-provoking narrative that takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions. Set in a dystopian society, the story follows the journey of the protagonist as he grapples with inner turmoil and confronts the realities of his surroundings.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is Hernhuter's vivid and evocative writing style. The descriptive passages allow readers to immerse themselves fully in the bleak world he has created. The author's attention to detail is commendable, as he skillfully paints a picture of the protagonist's environment, capturing both the physical landscape and the emotional atmosphere.

Furthermore, the character development in The Smiler is of great significance. The protagonist's internal struggle, as he questions the ethical dilemmas he encounters, is portrayed with complexity and depth. The author expertly highlights the protagonist's internal conflicts, presenting them in a way that invites readers to empathize and reflect on their own belief systems and values.

It is worth mentioning that the pacing of the plot in this novel is impeccable. Hernhuter manages to maintain a constant grip on the reader's attention by introducing twists and turns at unexpected intervals. The sense of suspense and mystery is meticulously woven throughout the narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

On a thematic level, The Smiler delves into thought-provoking ideas regarding identity, conformity, and societal expectations. Through the protagonist's journey, Hernhuter prompts readers to question the nature of individuality and the sacrifices one might have to make to fit into societal norms. The novel acts as a cautionary tale, urging readers to contemplate the consequences of denying one's true self.

While The Smiler excels in many respects, some readers may find the storyline and themes of the novel quite dark and somber. The author does not shy away from exploring the depths of despair and struggles of the human condition, which may not appeal to those seeking a lighthearted or uplifting read.

Overall, The Smiler is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel that captivates readers from start to finish. Hernhuter's exceptional storytelling skills, coupled with his ability to create complex characters and a captivating world, make this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. The novel's exploration of identity and the consequences of societal conformity bring a fresh perspective to the genre and leave readers pondering the implications long after turning the final page.

First Page:

Have you ever written science fiction? Have your stories been rejected? Herein may lie the reason.

The Smiler

By Albert Hernhunter

"Your name?"

"Cole. Martin Cole."

"Your profession?"

"A very important one. I am a literary agent specializing in science fiction. I sell the work of various authors to magazine and book publishers."

The Coroner paused to study Cole; to ponder the thin, mirthless smile. The Coroner said, "Mr. Cole, this inquest has been called to look into the death of one Sanford Smith, who was found near your home with a gun in his hand and a bullet in his brain. The theory of suicide has been "

" rather hard to rationalize?"

The Coroner blinked. "You could put it that way."

"I would put it even stronger. The theory is obviously ridiculous. It was a weak cover up. The best I could do under the circumstances."

"You are saying that you killed Sanford Smith?"

"Of course."

The Coroner glanced at his six man jury, at the two police officers, at the scattering of spectators. They all seemed stunned. Even the reporter sent to cover the hearing made no move toward the telephone. The Coroner could think of only the obvious question: "Why did you kill him?"

"He was dangerous to us."

"Whom do you mean by us ?"

"We Martians, who plan to take over your world... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Science
Short stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Albert Hernhuter
Wikipedia – The Smiler

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac