Good News from Outer Space by John Kessel
"Good News from Outer Space" is a satirical novel that explores themes of religion, politics, and media in 1990s America through an intricate plot involving several unique characters. The story revolves around Lucy, a compassionate lawyer, her husband George, a reporter drawn into a sensationalist media world, and Richard, George's impulsive editor. The narrative begins with George's obsession with reports of alien invasions and the rise of televangelist Jimmy-Don Gilray, leading him on a quest that disrupts his relationship with Lucy. As George investigates, Lucy finds herself entangled with a group of feminist bioterrorists who have radical plans for societal change.
The plot thickens with Richard's transformation into a publicist for Gilray, who mistakenly views Richard as a prophet. This intertwining of characters culminates in a chaotic climax on the eve of the millennium, where the anticipated alien encounter leads to unexpected revelations and personal sacrifices. Ultimately, the story concludes with a sense of restored normalcy as George and Lucy reestablish their bond, highlighting that amidst chaos and uncertainty, values like friendship and honesty prevail over the allure of alien mysteries. The novel encourages reflection on how societal fears and media narratives shape human behavior and relationships.
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Good News from Outer Space
First published: 1989
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—invasion story
Time of work: 1999, with a scene in April, 2000
Locale: The United States
The Plot
Three chapters of Good News from Outer Space were published independently as short stories in 1987 and 1988, but they were rewritten extensively and now contribute to the novels intricate plot, a satire about religion, politics, and the mass media in 1990s America. The main characters are Lucy, a lawyer; her husband, George, a reporter at a tabloid news television program; and Richard, Georges editor. Lucy is the most sympathetic character, though George learns kindness and consideration, and Richards manic personality has its own appeal.
George becomes interested in two sinister developments: the increasing popularity of televangelist Jimmy-Don Gilray and a growing mass hysteria that malicious aliens have invaded the country. He grows obsessed with the latter reports and even abandons Lucy to track down the aliens.
Lucy naturally is upset, and when Richard visits her, showing no concern for George but demanding to know what story he is pursuing, she recklessly attacks him. She then hides from the law by taking refuge with some feminist bioterrorists who plan to spread a plague that will make men mentally and emotionally more like women.
Richard, always reckless himself, decides to scoop Georges televangelism article by becoming a publicist for the Reverend Gilray. Gilray rightfully suspects Richard to be a spy but is intrigued enough to hire him. Ironically and amusingly, Richard himself becomes such a superstar in his new role that the televangelist proclaims Richard to be a prophet.
Georges travels across the country reveal that humanlike aliens are spreading fear and dismay with their bizarre behavior, yet they always elude him. He decides that Gilray is allied with the aliens and decides to assassinate him. Returning to Raleigh, North Carolina, the site of Gilrays headquarters, he finds millions of pilgrims there. Starving and desperate, these believers wait for Gilrays promised event—the appearance of Jesus Christ in a spaceship on the eve of the millennium. During these activities, Lucy is arrested and imprisoned. She escapes, only to be captured by Gilray, who declares her as his destined bride for the New Age. In a brief and bitter meeting with George, she orders him to undertake a mysterious mission. The item he secretly brings to her contains the bioterrorists potion to feminize men.
When December 31, 1999, arrives, aliens infiltrate Gilrays headquarters, bewildering everyone by appearing as the different main characters. Gilray meets one disguised as Lucy, is frightened when it tries to seduce him, and flees. Lucy meets an alien appearing as Gilray and tries to persuade it to drink the potion, mixed into a glass of wine, but it knows better. When George leaps out of a closet to surprise them, he accidentally shoots her. At this point the alien offers to tell George all the answers he has dreamed of finding and has pursued for so long, but George chooses to ignore the alien so that he can save Lucys life. In his relief, afterward, he drinks the doctored wine. Meanwhile, Richard and Gilray abandon their desperate followers, who realize that there will be no Second Coming.
After the unfolding of this madcap climax, the final chapter, set the following spring, reveals that although America has been shaken by Gilrays reign and revolt, some normality is restored. George acts more tenderly toward Lucy. They renew their love and turn to raising their own food. Perhaps the aliens are still on the loose, but friendship and honesty matter more, in the end, than the mystery of alien deceptions.