Clarges-Jack Vance novel, book review
Clarges-Jack Vance novel (author’s preferred title) AKA: To Live Forever To Live Forever was first published in 1956. The title was changed to "Clarges" in 2002 when it was included in the "Vance Integral Edition." Vance wrote in his biography how much he hated the title To Live Forever. I've read this work several times and I liked it even better upon re-reading. It is only 185 pages long and is most interesting and satisfying when read slowly and carefully. Although the storyline is engaging enough on its own, this novel is dense with ideas about society, life, culture, values, identity, meaning, etc. Ethical issues are laid out but in an impartial way. Do you really live forever if an identical clone with the same memory and personality takes your place if you die? Is it fair or ethical to deny advanced medical treatments to those persons who do not participate in a certain program? Why not extend the life of everyone and attempt to find other pla...