Marley's Chain

"Marley's Chain" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction story that paints a grim picture of Earth after a massive disaster called the Revolt. The novel dives into a world filled with prejudice, especially against a group known as the Sharkies. The story follows Tam Peters, a man who comes back to Earth after years of being forced to work in space. He quickly finds out that society has changed for the worse, and because he is a Sharkie, he can't find a job. He tries to get help from a former friend who is now in charge, but even his friend turns him away because of who he is. In a moment of desperation, Tam commits a crime so he can go to prison, hoping it will be better than starving on the streets. This story highlights the terrible effects of prejudice, broken promises, and how unfair a system can be.