Synopsis
A mute man is employed as a sound-sweep, cleaning places of residual sounds. He befrieds a washed-up opera singer who is haunted by the sounds of her past.
History
First publication: Science Fantasy, #39, February 1960
Review
I read one person’s comment that this is the first really Ballardian story and I agree. Earlier stories were more traditional. While this story doesn’t get crazy experimental, we do have that surrealism and painterly description that mark his work. The writing here is beautiful in places. The characterization is excellent. It is a science fiction story, yet the “science” is very fantastic, not palusible. and Ballard hints at ideas about art, about aging, and about rebellion. The main character stands up for what he believes, even though he is an anarchist who throws everything into chaos. This is a great story and highly recommended.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
Chronopolis and Other Stories, hardcover, G. Putnam’s Sons, 1971-09-00
The Complete Short Stories, hardcover, Flamingo, 2001-11-00
