Science fiction maestro Brian Aldiss at the top of his writing powers in a rare foray into literary fiction. With a sparse elegance, Aldiss crafts a heart-breaking, heart-fixing novella delving into ideas of selfhood and human connection. Published in beautiful new collector's livery. 'The best contemporary writer of science fiction.' – The Guardian Hugh Billing is sad. After making his fortune in the music industry decades ago, for years Hugh has been drifting. Shuttling between the US and UK on business, his life has become a testament to monotony. With every trip through customs he becomes more customary. With every departure he seems to leave a little more behind. But when his mother's death returns him to London, Hugh draws just enough hope and courage to travel on a different journey; from loneliness and loss of purpose through to somewhere beyond just survival. Writing at the height of his powers and with a sparse elegance, Aldiss departs from science fiction to craft a heart-breaking, heart-fixing novella that speaks to the question of human connection. As the conversation around mental health, isolation and loneliness evolves, Brian Aldiss' RUINS proves as prophetic and rich in insight as his science fiction.