The Sky Is Falling

"The Sky Is Falling" by Lester Del Rey is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Dave Hanson, who finds himself in a bizarre world after apparently dying in an accident. He has been resurrected in a realm where the sky is literally falling apart, and he is tasked with repairing it using his engineering skills. The opening of the novel introduces Dave as he wakes up in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by strange beings and strange rituals. Confused and disoriented, he struggles to regain his bearings while sensing that he has been resurrected after an accident with a bulldozer. He overhears conversations hinting at a dire situation involving a crumbling sky and magic. As he grapples with his new reality, he learns that he is viewed as an important figure due to his name and the legacy attached to it, expected to use his skills to mend the fractures in the sky that threaten the existence of this world. The narrative sets up a blend of science fiction elements with a fantastical twist, creating an engaging premise filled with intrigue and challenges that Dave must face.