World Without Glamor

"World Without Glamor" by Stephen Marlowe is a science fiction story set on the planet Talbor, where colonists eagerly await the arrival of Earth tourists, creating a stark contrast between their simple farming lives and the perceived sophistication of off-worlders. Harry Marsden, hopeful to see women from Earth, faces marital issues with his wife, Marie, who feels inadequate compared to these glamorous visitors. As Marsden spends time with Alice Cooper, a tourist embodying Earth's allure, he struggles with feelings of self-worth and fantasies of a more exciting life. Ultimately, Marsden reevaluates his desires, embracing the beauty of his life with his wife on Talbor, deciding it's worth more than any fleeting dream.