The woman obsession

"The Woman Obsession" by William Campbell Gault is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story is set against the backdrop of space travel, particularly on the Mars-Jupiter run, exploring themes of desire and the human condition in a futuristic world. The narrative is a mix of adventure and psychological exploration, focusing on the interactions and conflicts between the characters as they grapple with their obsessions and societal norms. The plot revolves around Johnny "Horse" Collins, a Level-One navigator who becomes captivated by a vision of a beautiful woman on a nonexistent asteroid, leading to tension and insubordination aboard the spaceship. Sam, the ship's pilot and a voice of discipline, struggles with his feelings of control and the societal implications of their journey where women are scarce. As the narrative progresses, the men confront their desires and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a trial that alters their fates. Eventually, the true nature of the woman—the rebellious Elsbeth Parrish—emerges, challenging their understanding of life, love, and human connection in the vastness of space.