Dying Inside

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Dying Inside

Cover of first edition (hardcover)
Author Robert Silverberg
Country United States
Language English
Genre(s) Science fiction novel
Publisher Charles Scribner's Sons
Publication date 1972
Media type Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
Pages 245 pp
ISBN ISBN 0-684-13083-1

Dying Inside is a science fiction novel by Robert Silverberg. It was nominated for both the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award in 1972.

[edit] Summary

The novel's main character, David Selig, is an undistinguished man living in New York City. David was born with a telepathic gift allowing him to read minds. Rather than use his ability for any greater good, however, Selig squanders his power, using it only for his own convenience. (For instance, David earns a living by reading the minds of college students so that he can better plagiarize reports and essays on their behalf).

As the novel progresses, Selig's power grows more and more weak, working sporadically and sometimes not at all, and Selig struggles to maintain his grip on reality as he begins to lose an ability on which he has long since grown dependent.

The book contains a number of memorable elements, such as David's relationship with a fellow telepath he meets as a young adult, or his strained interaction with his estranged younger sister (who has long distrusted him because of his ability), or his obsession, during one section of the novel, with proving that his girlfriend, a woman named Kitty, is also telepathic after he discovers that he can't read her mind. There's also an interesting moment where David's power causes him to vicariously experience his girlfriend's acid trip.

[edit] Literary and Other Allusions

One of the most striking features of Dying Inside is the frequent reference it makes to various artists, writers and other academics, including such notable individuals as:

[edit] External links