The Genius of Saardu is a beautifully imagined story of a scientist in a pristine world troubled by a mysterious and looming ecosystem disaster. Compromised by a forbidden affair with the Saar king's chosen, the genius of Saardu is imprisoned just when his intellectual powers are most needed to save their world. The situation is further complicated when Saardu becomes a refuge sought by hundreds of humans who are suffering a neurotic condition caused by generations lived in a spaceship.

This is the author's first draft of her first novel, written in 1984. The original manuscript was titled The Ills of Saardu and was registered in 1985 with the US Copyright Office. This e-book includes a photo of the certified title page, Registration Number TXu000197171, stamped 17 May 1985. This is a slightly corrected copy of that manuscript. The title has since been changed by the author, and this edition features a new preface and afterword contributed by the author.