The Alien Upstairs

Pamela Sargent

Sarah and Gerry live in an apartment in an old house. They barely eke by on their two jobs and the gas coupons Gerry sells on the black market. The American culture is declining. Jobs are scarce, college almost non-existent, and the future looks bleak.

Raf Courn moves into the upstairs apartment. He has heat, food, and a running car. When he has a party, he announces he is an alien here observing Earth and its inhabitants. Of course the neighbors at the party don't believe him. Yet Sarah wonders. Raf is different. Something is going on.

This book was not what I expected. It sounded like it was a light, humerous book. It starts out that way. But it changes partially through the book. It becomes a study of man's history. Emotions and relations with other people play an important part of Raf's life. Sarah and Gerry find themselves faced with choices they had not anticipated. It is an interesting book. With the way it changes shades of light and emotions as it goes through, its shorter length fits well.