The General Zapped an Angel

The late Fast (1914–2003), best known as the author of Spartacus, marshals elements of science and fantasy into sharp social commentary in this arresting collection, first published in 1970. In the title tale, military and religious authorities attempt to contain the public relations nightmare after a combat-crazy general shoots down an angel at the height of the Vietnam War. “The Movie House” tells of an insular society of movie theater patrons that lives in denial of the world beyond the theater doors, and “The Interval” of people who discover that they are merely actors in a world of replaceable stage sets. Fast’s tone is largely light and satirical and his tales firmly rooted to their time, but “The Mouse,” a poignant story of a mouse trapped between its rodent nature and human consciousness after visiting extraterrestrials boost its intelligence, delves into deeper emotions, and “The Wound” and “The Insects” both explore surprisingly contemporary themes of eco-awareness. Fast’s insights and acute analysis of human nature keep these half-century-old stories fresh and exciting. (Dec.)