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The Body Snatchers

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( 24,872 ratings, 1,711 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney, the inhabitants of a small town start noticing subtle changes in their neighbours' behaviours. As local doctor Miles Bennell investigates, he uncovers a chilling alien invasion where extraterrestrial pods replicate and replace humans. The story explores themes of identity and trust as the townspeople struggle against losing their humanity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by thrilling, taut narratives involving alien invasions and appreciate the suspense of humanity grappling with identity and autonomy. Set in a small-town backdrop, it cleverly blends science fiction with a touch of noir, offering suspenseful twists that captivate those who delight in exploring themes of paranoia and survival.

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The Body Snatchers

The classic novel of paranoia immortalised on film as THE INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Welcome to the Best of the Masterworks: a selection of the finest in science fiction

Mill Valley, Marin County, California.

Dr Miles Bennell has lived there all his life. But one day Miles sees a patient who claims her Uncle isn't himself. He's a different person, despite being identical in every way except one: he is only pretending to have emotions.

Miles dismisses this as delusions and refers her to a psychiatrist.

Then he finds the pods. Giant seed pods, filled with a strange, grey substance. A strange grey substance that can slowly, slowly, become a perfect replica of a person.

But what has happened to the people being replicated?

Adapted for screen multiple times, The Body Snatchers is the origin of the phrase 'pod people', and a staple of pulp science fiction. Read by many as an allegory for the Cold War, or McCarthyism, it perfectly encapsulates the paranoia that comes with not knowing who around you can be trusted.

'A good story, to be read and savoured' - Stephen King

'Will chill you straight to the marrow' - Galaxy Science Fiction

'Intensely readable and unpredictably ingenious' - The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Series: S.F. Masterworks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney is often praised for its gripping, suspenseful narrative and its exploration of themes like identity and conformity. Reviewers highlight its chilling portrayal of an alien invasion and note how its tension builds effectively throughout the story. The book is frequently commended for its capacity to provoke thought and engagement with its audience, making it a classic in the sci-fi genre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399617215

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Born in 1911, the American author Jack Finney wrote numerous SF novels, thrillers and mysteries, several of which were adapted to film. He was awarded the WORLD FANTASY AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT in 1987. A long-time resident of California, he died in 1995.

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