# Can You Identify This Novel? (May be SF) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [October 1, 2011, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265 "2011-10-01T18:22:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@Jabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jabba)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2011, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265/1 "2011-10-01T18:22:36Z")
When looking for new books to read I often make use of Amazon’s Look Inside feature. I read the first few pages and note down the details of those books that intrigue me. Many months ago I noted a book in this way, but now, with Christmas approaching, I cannot find or remember the details. This was some time ago and I only read the first few pages, so I don’t have much to go on, but I am hoping someone may be able to help. As I recall, the story starts with a girl/young woman, perhaps waking up, and I believe she goes for a walk (perhaps in a garden or a forest). I think she also has a sister and the two of them live with their father. I think that they are isolated, and I have an image of a wall keeping everyone else out. So that’s it. Does this ring any bells with anyone? Does anyone recognise the book and, if so, is it indeed worth reading? ---
**Author:** ![Number](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/number/32/242_2.png) [@Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2011, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265/2 "2011-10-02T06:31:08Z")
That description would fit the beginning of _[More Than Human](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/More_Than_Human)_ by Theodore Sturgeon. In the non-SF realm, it also sounds quite a bit like _[We Have Always Lived in the Castle](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Have_Always_Lived_in_the_Castle)_ by Shirley Jackson. ---
**Author:** ![Jabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@Jabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jabba)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2011, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265/3 "2011-10-02T11:30:36Z")
The Sturgeon novel does not have Look Inside on Amazon at the moment, so I can’t check, but I strongly suspect that is the book I had in mind. Thank you so much for your help. Presumably you have read the book, to have recognised it from my meagre information. Is it any good? ---
**Author:** ![Number](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/number/32/242_2.png) [@Number](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Number)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2011, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265/4 "2011-10-02T16:28:39Z")
Wow, if that turns out to be it then it will be the first time in nine years that I’ve successfully identified anything in one of these threads. I picked up _More Than Human_ on a whim at the library about a month ago. I found it to be extremely strange, though not badly written. The story is told from the perspectives of several very odd characters. This is off-putting at first, but the plot does progress in an interesting way, and explores the idea of a gestalt consciousness. I gather it was quite groundbreaking when it was published in 1953. I’d recommend it, with the caveat that it isn’t the easiest read. ---
**Author:** ![Jabba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b5e925/32.png) [@Jabba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jabba)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2011, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-identify-this-novel-may-be-sf/598265/5 "2011-10-02T17:02:34Z")
Great, thanks. My current and next reads are _Pale Fire_ and _The Recognitions_, so not being the easiest read isn’t a problem at all. Also, “told from the perspectives of several very odd characters” sounds like just the sort of thing I’d like. Thanks again for your help.