World of the Mad

"World of the Mad" by Poul Anderson is a science fiction tale set on the bewildering planet Tanith, that follows Langdon, an immortal man, as he navigates the planet's strange nature. The novel highlights Langdon's struggle with the challenges of immortality and protecting his wife, Eileen, from the sanity-eroding effects of Tanith's bizarre environment. The narrative unfolds with themes of love, fear, and the struggle with an incomprehensible reality that push the couple to the edge of their understanding. The story follows Langdon's attempts to shield Eileen from the planet's chaotic phenomena, where she experiences fear and hallucinations. Langdon is faced with a difficult decision as Eileen's mental health declines: confront giving up his immortality or send her back to Earth to find a more stable life. The story ultimately considers the implications of eternal life in a world that defies what is considered normal.