The Hated

"The Hated" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction story set in the aftermath of a harrowing Mars mission, probing deep into the raw emotions of trauma, hatred, and payback among the astronauts. The story follows Byron, an astronaut haunted by his time in space, particularly his intense dislike for a crewmate he calls "Chowderhead." As Byron tries to find his place back on Earth, drinking and meeting women, the anger he's been holding back starts to bubble up, showing the lasting mental wounds from the journey. The mission's psychological rules, designed to keep the crew from hurting each other, have left Byron with an inner battle as he seeks to confront Chowderhead. The book is a powerful look at the difficulties of coming back to everyday life after deeply upsetting experiences, and dealing with inner conflicts to find out who you really are.