02547cam a22003853u 4500 70647 UtSlPG 20260610134631.0 m cr n 260607r20231951utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS West, Wallace, 1900-1980 The belt Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2023 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Science Fiction Quarterly November 1951 Release date is 2023-04-27 Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "The Belt" by Wallace West is a science fiction novel written in the early to mid-20th century. Set on a fictional Caribbean island known as New Patmos, the book explores themes of social experimentation and the consequences of dehumanization through labor. The narrative delves into a family's generational struggle with a curse tied to their exploitation of convict labor and the resulting loss of humanity. The story follows Jonathan Robertson, who returns to New Patmos after his father’s death to claim his inheritance. Upon arrival, he discovers a grim reality: the descendants of convicts have been reduced to robotic laborers in a factory that processes Lapis Lazuli. As Jonathan grapples with the oppressive legacy of his ancestors, he attempts to liberate the workers and awaken their humanity. Despite his efforts, he is met with resistance and learns that the generation of workers has become so conditioned to their servitude that they cannot comprehend freedom. The tragic tale unfolds as Jonathan's attempts to effect change lead to devastating consequences, including the death of a young worker named Jo, which ultimately prompts Jonathan's realization of the depth of the curse that has gripped the island. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Originally published: United States: Columbia Publications, Inc., 1951 Science fiction Short stories Islands -- Fiction Factories -- Fiction Mines and mineral resources -- Fiction Human evolution -- Fiction Produced from Science Fiction Quarterly November 1951 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/70647 111373 111373