Pollony Undiverted

"Pollony Undiverted" by Sydney J. Van Scyoc is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book explores themes of dissatisfaction and the pursuit of identity within a futuristic setting, where technology simplifies daily life but also numbs personal experiences. The narrative delves into the struggles of the protagonist, Pollony, as she grapples with her mundane reality and dreams of a more exciting existence. The story follows Pollony, a young woman feeling suffocated in her repetitive life with her husband, Brendel, as they drift through society heavily reliant on government allowances and technological convenience. Pollony's dissatisfaction with Brendel and her life escalates when she encounters Latsker Smith, a carefree driver who embodies the excitement she craves. As Pollony seeks to break free from her monotonous life and forge a new identity, she must confront the superficiality of her relationships and the emptiness of her surroundings—contrasting her desire for adventure with the mundane realities she wishes to escape.