The Stowaway by Alvin Heiner
QR code
"The Stowaway" by Alvin Heiner is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the quest for recognition through the lens of a working-class protagonist, Joe Spain, who seeks glory and representation by sneaking onto a rocket ship headed to the Moon. This work reflects the mid-20th century's fascination with space exploration and the socio-political dynamics of class. The story centers
around Joe Spain, a determined but overlooked worker who dreams of being part of the historic moon mission. Despite ridicule from his peers and the overwhelming security at the launch site, he concocts a plan to stow away in a barrel that will be sent aboard the rocket. With great desperation, he succeeds in gaining access and rides in the barrel during the launch. However, once aboard, he discovers the ship is experimental and doomed to explode. Alone in darkness, Joe grapples with his fate, realizing he will never be acknowledged or remembered for his daring aspirations. The story ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the human desire for significance amidst societal indifference. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Download for free
For your e-reader or reading app — Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, Calibre etc.
Kindle → Use Send-to-Kindle
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Upload it on the Amazon site your Kindle is registered with: amazon.com/sendtokindle for the US, amazon.co.uk/sendtokindle for the UK etc.
- It appears on your Kindle and in the Kindle app
Kobo, Nook etc. → Transfer via USB
- Download the EPUB3 file on your computer
- Connect your e-reader by USB and tap "Connect" on its screen
- Drag the file onto the e-reader drive
Phone, Tablet or Computer → Online or Reading App
Easiest: read online in your browser. Nothing to install.
Or use a reading app:
- Find and install one you like, for example Apple Books, ReadEra or Thorium Reader
- Download the EPUB3 file above
- Open it in the app
More help: iPhone / iPad · Android · Computer
Other formats & older devices
There may be more files related to this item.
About this eBook
| Author | Heiner, Alvin |
|---|---|
| Title | The Stowaway |
| Series Title | Produced from If Worlds of Science Fiction March 1952. |
| Credits |
Produced by Greg Weeks, Stephen Blundell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 86.2 (6th grade). Easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature |
| Subject | Science fiction |
| Subject | Short stories |
| Subject | Space flight to the moon -- Fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 30361 |
| ISBN (HTML) | 979-8-238-30361-1 |
| Release Date | Oct 30, 2009 |
| Last Update | Oct 24, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 381 downloads in the last 30 days. |
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!