The Marooner

The Marooner is a science fiction novel by Charles A. Stearns, written in the late 1950s. It follows the complex relationship between Mr. Wordsley, an introspective engineer, and Captain DeCastros, a haunted figure from the past, as they embark on a perilous journey to the enigmatic planet Avis Solis. The narrative delves into themes of obsession, madness, and the consequences of past actions, particularly through the haunting tale of DeCastros' brother, Malmsworth, who was abandoned on a desolate planet. The story culminates in a poignant exploration of guilt and survival within the human psyche.