Until Life Do Us Part

"Until Life Do Us Part" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of immortality and its implications on human relationships in a future world where death is virtually eliminated. The story grapples with the emotional repercussions of living for centuries and the challenges of forming lasting attachments amid a society that discourages deep emotional connections. The narrative centers around Webb Fellow, a physician in a world where immortals are common but relationships have grown shallow due to the emotional detachment required to maintain sanity across centuries of life. Webb is torn when he discovers that Anne Tabor, the woman he loves, is pregnant and facing a life-threatening condition. This revelation rekindles his feelings of affection and jealousy towards his friend Clifford, who is vying for paternity. In a moment of passion and misunderstanding, Webb succumbs to his darker impulses and attempts to kill Clifford, only to discover later that Clifford had anticipated such an event and had prepared a robotic replica of himself. The story culminates in questions about love, attachment, and the inevitability of choices in an immortal existence, leaving readers to ponder the true meaning of a long life.