Birthright by April Smith

"Birthright" by April Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story focuses on Cyril Kirk, a newly appointed Planetary Administrator sent to the seemingly unremarkable and primitive planet of Nemar, which is located at the outer reaches of the galaxy. The novel explores themes of societal values, personal ambition, and the quest for happiness within a backdrop of cultural contrasts between advanced and primitive civilizations. The narrative follows Kirk as he struggles with feelings of humiliation and confusion regarding his assignment to a planet that he perceives as beneath him. As he interacts with the charming and easygoing Nemarians, he grapples with his preconceived notions about progress and civilization. Throughout his time on Nemar, Kirk discovers the depth of its people and their society, which values happiness, love, and connection over material success. As he immerses himself in their lifestyle, he undergoes a transformation, ultimately seeking to find meaning within both himself and the culture he once viewed with disdain. The story culminates in Kirk's realization that true worth lies not in external achievement but in the joy of living and the bonds between individuals. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Smith, April
Illustrator Freas, Kelly, 1922-2005
Title Birthright
Series Title Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, August 1955
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net
Reading Level Reading ease score: 84.1 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Conduct of life -- Fiction
Subject Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
Subject Happiness -- Fiction
Subject Space colonies -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 59329
Release Date
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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