The Inhabited Island

A young space explorer crash-lands on a war-torn planet, confronting its grim societal structures in The Inhabited Island, a significant Russian SF novel.

In The Inhabited Island, readers are introduced to Maxim Kammerer, a young space explorer from Earth in the twenty-second century. After crash-landing on an uncharted planet, he hopes to establish first contact with its humanlike inhabitants. However, he quickly finds himself caught in a complex web of their primitive societal structures, which challenge his understanding of civilization. As he navigates their nightmarish military, criminal justice, and mental health systems, Maxim realizes that his adventure is far from the idyllic experience he envisioned.

This novel, a significant work by the Strugatsky brothers, is now available uncensored for the first time in a new translation by Andrew Bromfield. Previously published in English as Prisoners of Power, the earlier edition was heavily edited by Soviet authorities, limiting readers' access to the original narrative. With this newly translated edition, fans of Russian science fiction can explore the depths of the story as intended by its authors.

The Inhabited Island offers a thought-provoking commentary on power, society, and the human condition. As Maxim grapples with the harsh realities of the world he has entered, the novel raises questions about morality, governance, and the true nature of civilization. This edition serves as an essential addition to the collection of anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Russian literature and science fiction.