The Memory of Mars

"The Memory of Mars" by Raymond F. Jones is a science fiction novel that follows Mel Hastings, a reporter struggling with grief after his wife's unexpected death. The story kicks off with the startling discovery that Alice, though appearing human, possesses alien organs, sending Mel on a quest to understand her true origins. Haunted by fragmented memories of a trip to Mars that he can't fully recall, Mel embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind Alice's identity and his own forgotten experiences. The narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and identity as Mel confronts powerful forces within a galactic council aiming to manipulate humanity's destiny. As Mel races to piece together the puzzle, he is faced with mind-bending revelations and a climactic battle against an enemy determined to control the fate of humankind, ultimately questioning the nature of reality itself.