Postmark Ganymede by Robert Silverberg

“Postmark Ganymede” is a 1957 science fiction short story by Robert Silverberg. It is about a former military officer who must now deliver the mail to one of Jupiter’s moons.

Mail is so Important

I once spent nearly a year living on a tiny, remote island in the Pacific Ocean – so I think I know what I’m talking about when I say that mail from loved ones is extremely important to an isolated person’s well being. There were times when I would visit the little post office several times a day – hoping for something… anything from my family. I never really gave much thought to the people who delivered the mail (except when they searched my Christmas packages!), but it’s possible that they didn’t like their jobs. That is the main theme in this excellent story by one of the genre’s giants.

Non-spoiler Summary in a Nutshell

Preston isn’t very happy. In fact he considers himself to be “washed up” now that the government has assigned him to be a postman. It isn’t a bad job, except Preston used to be on one of the patrol ships that protected the postmen. And to make matters worse some of his junior companions have been assigned to protect him! Ah – the gall! Anyway, now that he is heading for Ganymede he discovers a few situations in which his former training is coming in very useful – all to the benefit of the people who live on that isolated outpost.

My Two Cents…

• I thought Preston was a great character. I mean who wouldn’t be pissed off if they felt they were demoted for no good reason?
• It was really fun reading a story that was written when people still believed there might actually be intelligent life somewhere in our solar system – even if that life was just a bunch of big, angry worms!
• If you are a fan of classic science fiction stories then you are sure to love “Postmark Ganymede”.

Interesting Tidbits About This Story:

• Page Count: 7
• Word Count: 2,729
• Did you know that Robert Silverberg has been publishing science fiction for the past 57 years? Yep. You can learn more about this amazingly prolific author at his quasi-official web site.

Where You Can Find Postmark Ganymede:

• This story was originally published in the September 1957 issue of Amazing Stories.
• You can read it online for free at Munseys.

Craving More Stories?

If you liked “Postmark Ganymede” then you’ll probably enjoy The Hunted Heroes – also by Robert Silverberg.

Subscribe to BestScienceFictionStories.com