Homegoing (Pohl novel)

This article is about the 1989 novel by Frederik Pohl. For the 2016 novel by Yaa Gyasi, see Homegoing (2016 novel).

Homegoing

First edition
Author	Frederik Pohl
Cover artist	Barclay Shaw
Language	English
Genre	Science fiction
Publisher	Del Rey Books
Publication date	1989
Publication place	United States
Media type	Print
Pages	279 (first edition)
OCLC	20678068

Homegoing is a science fiction novel by American author Frederik Pohl, first published in 1989 by Del Rey Books.[1] The novel was one of the nominees for the Locus SF Award, one of the awards of the Hugo Awards.[2]

Plot summary

The protagonist, Lysander (Sandy) Washington, has been raised by aliens, the Hakh'hli.[3] When their interstellar ship arrives at Earth, Sandy serves as part of the aliens' liaison team with Earth. Pohl uses Sandy's alien perspective to make some observations about our culture.

Sandy believes his alien friends are peaceful and benevolent, as they present themselves to be.[1][3] However, after it becomes clear their plans are far from benevolent, Sandy has to decide whether to side with the aliens who raised him, who are the only family he knows, or to side with humanity. This decision becomes more complicated when he learns he is only partially human.

References

1. Frederik Pohl (1989). "Homegoing". Ballantine Books. ISBN 9780345339751. Retrieved 2015-02-17. Sandy Washington was a pretty normal guy. The only unusual thing about him was that Sandy had been raised by aliens on their spaceship.
2. Jo Walton (1990). "Hugo Nominees: 1990". Tor Books. Retrieved 2015-02-17.
3. "Just Finished Reading: Homegoing by Frederik Pohl". 2009-03-19. Retrieved 2015-02-17.