Anne McCaffrey Book Pages

The works of Anne McCaffrey

See also:
Anne McCaffrey interviewed
AM answers the usual questions

The Brain Ships Series

Another interesting intepretation of a cliche by Anne McCaffrey, this time, brain and brawn. Individuals whose minds are sound, but whose bodies are not are identified at birth and put into a special program. In that program, they become shell people, encased, suspended in a nutrient solution, attached to sensors and communications lines, prevented from developing further physically, and offered unique positions in the community.

Shell people can become brain ships, like Helva, the heroine of the first story The Ship Who Sang; or they can run cities, space stations or other facilities. They are 'protected' by the Mutant Minorities organisation.

Once again, the influence of McCaffrey's musical training is in evidence, when it is discovered the Helva can sing.

The original short story was written as a song to McCaffrey's father, and was her way of dealing with his death. A powerful story, it was read by McCaffrey and another writer (was it Larry Niven?) at Aussiecon 2 in Melbourne, and there were few dry eyes in the house.

Other McCaffrey book pages:
Page 1: Pern (Dragonriders)
Page 2: Crystal Singer
Page 3: Brain Ships
Page 4: Talents (psychic, rowan, tower)
Page 5: Petaybee
Page 6: Freedom
Page 7: Acorna
Page 8: Collections and other works

See also:
Anne McCaffrey interviewed
AM answers the usual questions