Short stories | Lecturia

Philip K. Dick: Human Is

“Human Is” is a science fiction short story written by Philip K. Dick and published in 1955 in the magazine Startling Stories. Jill is a woman trapped in a marriage with Lester Herrick, a cold and emotionally abusive husband, an extremely rational scientist wholly devoted to his work. However, after being sent on a mission to the planet Rexor IV, Lester returns with a completely different attitude: kind, affectionate, almost unrecognizable. This change unsettles Jill, who begins to wonder what the true reason behind her husband’s transformation might be.

Ray Bradbury: The Last Night of the World

“The Last Night of the World” is a short story by Ray Bradbury first published in Esquire in February 1951 and later included in the anthology The Illustrated Man (1951). It tells the story of a married couple facing the possibility that humanity may end that very night. On an afternoon that unfolds with complete normalcy, while their daughters play, the husband shares with his wife a premonitory dream about the apocalypse—one that, intriguingly, has also been experienced by his coworkers and many others. The narrative explores how they and their community confront the imminent certainty that they are living their final hours on Earth.

Octavia E. Butler: Speech Sounds

“Speech Sounds” is a science fiction short story written by Octavia E. Butler, published in December 1983 in Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine. In a world devastated by a mysterious disease that has almost completely destroyed the ability to communicate, Valerie Rye embarks on a solitary journey in the hope of reuniting with her family. Along the way, she must face the daily violence of a fractured society, where enforced silence fuels mistrust and fear. Amid the chaos, Rye seeks to stay safe and find some connection that will restore meaning to her existence.

Harry Harrison: The Streets of Ashkelon

“The Streets of Ashkelon” is a science fiction short story by Harry Harrison, published in September 1962 in New Worlds Science Fiction magazine. In the remote world of Wesker, Gath, an atheist merchant, lives alongside a society of intelligent amphibians who are unfamiliar with religion and any form of superstition. The harmony is shattered when Father Mark arrives, a missionary determined to evangelize the natives. His presence triggers a conflict that threatens to disrupt the fragile coexistence on the planet.

Harlan Ellison: A Boy and His Dog

“A Boy and His Dog” is a stark tale by Harlan Ellison, published in April 1969 in New Worlds magazine. It follows Vic, a teenager who roams a post-apocalyptic world in the company of a dog with psychic abilities, with whom he shares a close bond. In a devastated city, Vic searches for food for them both, while the dog tracks down women so the boy can satisfy other appetites. One day, inside a ruined movie theater, the animal detects the scent of a young woman who should not be there. Following that trail leads Vic into unfamiliar territory, filled with dangers and an unexpected mission.

Clifford D. Simak: Desertion

“Desertion” is a short story by Clifford D. Simak, published in November 1944 in Astounding Science Fiction magazine. At a base on Jupiter, Kent Fowler leads a project aimed at discovering how to enable Earthlings to survive on a planet whose conditions make human life impossible. He has sent four expeditions, none of which have returned, fueling fears of irreversible failure. Now he must undertake a fifth attempt while facing the critical gaze of those around him, who are convinced that his efforts only lead men to their deaths.