The Ship Who Sang: Fantasy

I read Anne McCaffery when she first published and she hooked me into fantasy and Science fiction. I prefer her voice as I see it than many of the shared writers who have collaborated with her in later books in this series.

beautiful vindication of birth defects carried to useful conclusion. what an imagination! how much more of this idea could be covered? the author shows a sympathetic understanding of her characters in this poignant story. all this woven into a hopeful space travel fiction future for mankind.

Great story; love the Brain and Brawn series! The physical book was readable, however the pages were quite yellowed. Also, the back cover and a couple of pages look like they had been stabbed. I don't think the 'good condition' description was accurate. It did arrive just after it was due.

This novel is actually a collection of five short stories, written between 1961 and 1969, strung together into a coherent single narrative. Although slightly choppy to read due to that, it does come together in the end, with each single episode contributing something the ending that matters.
This book also begins the series, some written by McCaffrey.
As for the story itself, it is excellent speculative fiction. What if the minds of people with severe physical disabilities could be taken from the body and put into computers, or in Helva’s case, into a space ship. How would those very real human emotions withstand a life so outside human experience?
Intriguing, with fast-paced plot, complex characters, and a balance between action and thought, this book is classic sci-fi at its best. At the center is Helva’s search for a true partner, her “Brawn” and what that means to a mind encased in a rocket ship – where walking on a planet is impossible but hurtling through the stars is the norm.
For anyone who enjoy solid sci-fi, this is a must read.

The Ship Who Sang is a collection of short stories written around a central character, Helva. Born with a terribly distorted body, she finds life and usefulness as the central core of a space ship in the service of the Central Worlds, specifically working with the Medical Section. Her first partner, or "brawn," is Jennan, a young man with whom she shares a love of music, and with whom she was totally compatible.

The fact that Helva sings is very unusual among the ships of her kind and it brings her a certain notoriety. Whenever she is available for assignment, most brawns would love to partner with her, but she ends up in the following stories being paired with temporary partners. She longs for a permanent connection, but circumstances stand in the way.

On her many assignments, her intelligence and ability for problem-solving prove invaluable. She is programmed to care about those with whom she works, even when she doesn't like them very much. This being a collection, rather than a continuous novel, some of her life experiences and learning are often sketchily drawn. That plus these stories having been written in the 1960s, means that there is sometimes less action and more introspection. Still, the concept and the execution are wonderfully done.

When McCaffrey died last year, some interviews with her were re-printed in obituaries and retrospectives. In one, she is quoted as saying that one of her favorite works was The Ship Who Sang. That drew me to the book, and I'm glad it did. I was charmed by Helva and her outlook on life. She suffers, is wildly happy, amused, and more. I can highly recommend this book that contains ideas before their time, and human aspects of the future that make it seem less forbidding than most.

Although Anne McCaffrey is best known for her Pern stories, perhaps her most original work was the stories she wrote about the brainship Helva in the 1960s. Between 1952 when Bernard Wolfe published his spectacular classic LIMBO and 1972 when Martin Caidin published his very famous but rather spectacularly pedestrian CYBORG (the latter the inspiration for the even more spectacularly awful TV series THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN), McCaffrey's stories were easily the best thing on the theme with the exception of Philip K. Dick's various works (such as DR. BLOODMONEY and WE CAN BUILD YOU, in addition to his far more famous classic DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?). They remain far better reading than Caidin's novel.

The idea central to the book is that the brains and central nervous systems of human infants with severe physical deformities could be encased in titanium shells (hence their designation as "shell people") and given spaceships as replacement bodies. Thus the central character of these stories, Helva, for all intents and purposes coextensive with the ship. The conceit of the stories is that these brainships would be partnered with ambulatory humans, designated brawns. Much of Helva's concern in these stories is with being matched with an appropriate brawn. Not exactly marriage (in fact, it is mentioned that brawns are often married), it is nonetheless a deep partnership so that finding the right pairing is not unlike finding soulmates. The title of the collection of stories stems from Helva's deep interest in music and in her habit, unique among brainships, of vocalizing the songs she has learned.

THE SHIP WHO SANG consists six separate but deeply interrelated stories that McCaffrey published between 1961 and 1969. They span Helva's debut in the air service and the loss of her first brawn, to the transition to the next major stage in her career and her pairing with the brawn she has long been seeking. All in all, these represent some of the most important stories in the development of Cyborg literature. With recent developments in the interface between mind and artificial body, the development of a ship as depicted here is not actually all that impossible, though with the development in computers (the unstated assumption throughout these stories is that computers are necessarily huge, apparently too large to consider installing on interplanetary spaceships - throughout the stories Helva has to contact Central Command [or Cencom] to have someone consult the central computer).

If McCaffrey guessed wrongly about the size and appropriateness of computers for spaceships, she did, however, make some remarkable guesses about future technological developments. In fact, assuming that the gap between the central nervous system and nonbiological physical components was a brilliant one, which is only now being realized. Perhaps even more interesting is the story in which Helva aids a medical technician take tens of thousands of embryos to a world that has seen all residents rendered sterile. Although McCaffrey did not realize that embryos would suffer no harm by being frozen, she did correctly guess that embryos could be successfully implanted into host mothers. It is possible that other Sci-fi writers anticipated these developments in stories or novels, but I cannot at present recall any. I don't primarily read Sci-fi to see what guesses about the future do or do not pan out, but it is fun when someone takes such an imaginative leap and it does.

These stories might disappoint someone who is hoping to find a world similar to that found in McCaffrey's very famous Pern books, but they will appeal to anyone interested in quality Sci-fi, especially if they are interested in stories dealing with Cyborgs.

Anne McCaffrey is good at creating new worlds or new concepts; her "Crystal Singer" series was my favorite, a whole world created around crystal miners who use voice to tune their cutting instruments to mine delicate and temperamental crystal.

In "The Ship Who Sang", music is also a factor, but it takes a backseat role to the concept of the brain/brawn ships. Helva is a crippled human who has a completely excellent brain trapped in a handicapped body. She is offered training to become a "Shell" person; one whose brain will be encased in a metal shell and imbedded in some kind of equipment needed intelligent direction. In Helva's case, she becomes a spaceship, her shell set in the middle of an entire ship partnered with a "brawn" or a physically able human.

The book is a collection of short stories featuring adventures for Helva with and without a brawn partner. The stories are only linked in time--Helva can work off the cost of her training and become a Free Ship (in time, in a lot of time.) Meanwhile, she is sent on a variety of missions. The one story I appreciated the most was "The Ship Who Dissembled" which has a most exciting hijacking; Helva is taken over by a crew of criminals who exploit her most tender weakness to get her to comply with their orders. But Helva is no idiot, despite being at somewhat of a disadvantage. This story is worth the entire book, in my opinion.

McCaffrey goes on to create more novels with the brain ship motif. This is a good one to read first to get the idea of the concept. And it's an absolute classic in the world of science fiction.

This is the first, and the best, of Anne McCaffrey's Brainship stories. A young woman, Helva was born with terrible physical problems that were incompatible with any kind of independent life. New technology allowed her to be encased in a titanium shell that formed the core of a spaceship, with her brain wired up to the ship, allowing her to use her formidable intellect to act as the craft's central `computer'. She has become the first of the `Brainships' and can now have a freedom and independence of sorts, the freedom to travel between the stars accompanied by the pilot who will be her `Brawn'. Helva proves to have a love of music and an incredible voice to go with it; her constant singing leads to her fame as `The Ship Who Sang'.

It's hard to believe this book was written so long ago, it has certainly stood the test of time and is as enjoyable now as it has ever been. McCaffrey has introduced the idea of cyborg technology in a way that makes you question the morality of combining man and machine and to think about issues such as euthanasia. She never loses sight of the humanity of this young `hybrid' however, and Helva's development and growth as a person makes for moving reading. Granted this isn't a heavyweight of literature, don't expect lengthy prose or hard science, and occasionally the book lapses into more of a romance than a sci-fi story, but that aside, this is still a really good read. Keep an open mind and give it a chance, you won't be disappointed.

The best place to start discovering brain/brawn stories and always a good re-read. Helva's quirks, determination and compassion make her a great protagonist. An enduring classic and the base on which the growing number of brain/brawn stories have been built.
Helva is one of many born with physical birth defects which trap a briliant mind in a useless body. Science has a solution, hook the brain to something beyond the limited body. Hence the creation of "Brain" ships, stations and cities. Combined with a mobile "brawn" partner, these "brains" have abilities far beyond what a "normal" human could achieve. Called "shell-people" because their physical forms are encased, they experience the fear and prejudice of others' ignorance, as well as the full range of their very human emotions. Their special abilities when "hooked into" a space ship or station control don't diminish their very human traits. Helva's adventures, along with the other B&B teams, give everyone something to enjoy and discover.

In wonderful detail McCaffrey leads us through the birth, early childhood and training of Helva. She was born a cripple and would have died had she not been encased in her Shell. She takes an interest in music and finds with her vocal equipment she can reproduce any tone, and with her memory banks can retrieve any number of plays or songs instantaneously. After she is commissioned several Brawns (to her brain) arrive aboard her and a 'Brawn picking party' commences. She decides on the one she wants almost immediately and they set out to pay off their debts to Central Worlds. In a mission to save several planets from an exploding sun, she tragically loses her brawn, and mourns him terribly. CenCom takes an interest in her and continues to give her temporary assignments and temporary brawns, and she pays off her debt in record time. After she is a free ship she is called upon (tricked or bullied really) into taking another assignment that her singing capabilities particularly require her service. The mission is accomplished, and very well indeed, but there are side effects and she loses 3 passengers (but not by her fault). There is a wonderful ending and many times throughout the book I wanted to cry. Wonderful read, excellent story. Very well thought out story line. The plot varies depending on the stage of the book, but it all goes together very well.

I am currently reading Anne McCaffrey books because I am reviewing a 10 author tribute novel. This is one of the first award winning short stories. Helva is a ship's brain she was born with a terribly deformed body and the parents were given the option of having her trained as a spaceship brain rather than die in a few weeks. In the course of her training she interacted with a group of concerned citizens and was told she had a singing voice. A touching look at living an alternative life. Great short read.

The Ship Who Sang

Re-reading "The Ship Who Sang" is another reminder of what we lost when Anne McCaffrey went between forever. This story of a human/starship hybrid is a terrific adventure, a thought-provoking comment on the abilities and treatment of disabled people and a fantastic universe that hopefully will become the future someday.

I cannot listen to "Ray of Light" without thinking of this book, because what goes on in that song -- Madonna's warm mature organic vocals woven with William Orbit's shimmery space-synthesizer -- is what I imagine Helva to BE. Helva is our organic consciousness wed with the body of a ship, with pure technology, wed without struggle or fight. She is proof of what we can become if we use technology for good, for its power to make us smarter and stronger and more beautiful, if our evolution can include it. "Ray of Light" to me is what Helva's mind sounds like in its rejoicing, in its soar through space. Read _The Ship Who Sang_ and listen to Madonna's song.

This is a good short book. First read it several years ago in college as a bit of escapism after finals. Got lost in the story and before I knew it I had reached the end of the book and the sun was starting to come up - read the whole book in one night. The book has since fallen apart and I'm waiting for it to come out in Kindle version.

This is a magnificent book. Nearly all Anne McCaffrey's books are well worth reading, but this is the one that touched me most. The way she built up the brain ships, and Helva in particular, is wonderful; and I particularly like the performances on Beta Corvi for stretching the imagination. In case anybody is interested, she wrote a short story sequel to this book which is 'just right'. It is called Honeymoon, and I found it in a book of short stories called "Get off the Unicorn".

The Ship Who Sang kicks off a series by McCaffrey. Some of the later books were collaborations, but this one is 100% McCaffrey and a great start it is.

Helga is well-portrayed and the reader (me) has no trouble caring for what happens to her.

One of McCaffrey's "trademarks" is the uniqueness of her settings and story background. Some resonate with me and others don't. This one was a home run!

I am a second generation McCaffrey fan, raising the third generation. My 15-year old daughter and I both thouroughly enjoyed "The Ship Who Sang". I just looked over some of the other reviews, and feel that perhaps those folks that compared this novel to a Harlequin should stick to reading cheesy romances. The characters in this book truly come to life, and the only disappointment for me, was when I was finished, because there was no more book left! Who cares if the word "undulate" was used three times! Helva is a character that really makes you want to read more ...

This is an earlier book in a classic series. The premise, that children born too damaged to live, can be placed in spaceships as the Brain of the system and teamed with a specially trained Brawn partner can have long full productive lives doesn't begin to explain or explore all of the adventures and dilemmas these partnerships can tackle as they explore the worlds of their galaxies.

I am a senior education major at Kent State University and soon to be a language arts teacher. My class had to read this book because it was selected as a book for the local language arts festival (high school and middle school students) which KSU is hosting. I will be one of the people responsible for composing an essay question on selected books and judging the essays. Unfortunately, I am disappointed in the festival's organizers for selecting this book. Although it has some interesting questions about life in the future, it struggles to develop these issues. The short stories aren't bad by any means, but also are nothing out of the ordinary. The book contains interesting references to "Dylanistic" people from the "atomic age" and intriguing looks at the future of religion, for example, but leaves the reader wanting more and instead neglects the reader by returning to the overly-wordy, often-uninspired plot. As a rule, science fiction should contain intersting science (fact) and interesting fiction. This novel only provides brief glimmers of brilliance, while mainly losing its reader (especially in the case of younger readers)in an abundance of stale jargon. Furthermore, it is very difficult to tackle the many ridiculously lame passages that make a mockery of excellent writing. If this book were to be compared to a state it would have to be compared to Wisconsin because no other state is more known for its cheese. I can see how certain parts of this book could stand alone as quality literature; however, as a whole it does not have many redeeming characterisitics. Frankly, it is just not worth the effort (and an extreme effort it is) to trudge through the thick muck of this novel in an attempt to hopefully stumble across a few brief moments of inspiration.

The Ship Who Sang is a wonderful book. The touching story of Helva, bold and fearless, is a winner, and one I've read over and over. And, what's more, it's the only book I can think of that ended the way I wanted it to! The tale of how Helva loses her one true love, then finds another where she least expects it, is sure to make you want to read it over and over

I recently read The Ship Who Sang, by Ann McCaffery, as as a component to a college course where we composed questions and judged a literary festival. While at first put off by the title as well as the cover, I forced myself to read it in hopes that there was some redeemable quality held within its pages; some morsel which would make it worthy to use in a literary festival. I believe I may have found several such morsels. One of these morsels was the reference to Shakespearean Drama; not an easy pill to make teenagers swallow. Another such morsel was the loyalty Helva showed to even those people whom she hardly knew. The most important redeeming quality that I found within this book was the premise that even though Helva is severely disfigured, supposedly beyond repair, she still has value in this society. This is something that everyone should come away from this book from. However, this book's redeeming qualities were far outweighed and overshadowed by the harlequin romance quality and arcane sexual innuendo used by the author. Being that it was written in the sixties, I'm willing to give her some leeway, but not that much. The professor for my fiction writing class gave us a list of words at the beginning of the semester that we were never allowed to use. One of these words was undulate, a word Ann McCaffery used three separate times within this book. At one point, the character of Ansra, an actress was described as being "erect" in stature, while she "undulate[ed] down the corridor"(112). I don not see how it is possible for someone with ramrod straight posture to undulate, whether if she was in zero gravity or not. I believe that while this book did have some redeeming qualities, they were not enough to carry the book. While not being the worst novel I have ever read, it certainly ranks at the lower end of my scale. I do not see how it could have ever been recommended for a literary festival when so many science fiction novels oh higher caliber are existent. One suggestion I can personally provide is The Giver. On the other hand, if a reader is insistent on reading this novel, and can find something overwhelming positive about it, I certainly hope that my review will discourage them.

The premise of this book is admittedly intriguing; it is the story of a genius born with congenital defects who, by the cruel dictates of an intolerant society, is cybernetically wired to the central control of an interstellar spaceship under contract to a central galactic government. One would think that this concept would offer the reader a great deal of enjoyment as we learn how 'brainships' think and deal with their extraordinary lot in life. The wonder of science fiction is that it allows us to see how an ordinary story would be transformed by the presence of scientific advancement; surely, a human dwarf/spaceship cyborg as a protagonist would make for an interestingly transformed story. Yet the book itself fails to follow through on the potential it initially offers.
The reader will find themselves stumbling from one clumsy, cookie-cutter plot segment to another, continually bumping into cheesy symbols and underexplained plot devices every few feet, and generally dodging shovelfulls of authorial intent that ply the reader with all the subtlety of a crowbar. As you dredge your way through this book, you will find yourself wishing that the author had either not tried to accomplish so much in one book and subseqently avoided a lot of threadbare development, or else stuck to writing about dragons. Her sci-fi/intellectual romance skills leave much to be desired and we get very little sense of Helva as a maturing being as opposed to a weak character that is written to fit whatever scene she is in. The sense of gender in this text is about as clumsy as one can imagine, moreover.
If you must buy this book, give it to someone you don't like.

As a future literature teacher, I read The Ship Who Sang as part of a methods course. I was informed that there are some high schools in the area that are using this book in the classroom. As I read, I found myself searching for one reason The Ship Who Sang should be taught. I have to be honest. I found absolutely no literary merit in this book. Here are just a couple of the problems I have found. I consider myself a good reader. However, as I read this book I found myself stumbling over words. Word are wonderful tools to illustrate meaning, but in The Ship Who Sang, McCaffrey is drunk with words. She mumbles on and on for pages and pages about nothing at all. I can't imagine high school students being able to understand what she is talking about. I can't imagine this book holding anyone's attention. Another thing that I did not like is that there are heavy sexual references throughout the book. Here is an example of one. This is the one that I find to be the strongest. It occurs near the end of the book. "He'd moved, fighting the drive of his body every inch, until he was eaglespread against her column, his cheek pressed against the cold metal, his fingertips white with the effort to penetrate the unyielding surface. One hand slid slowly toward the control panel." For those of you who have not read this, keep in mind that this passage is talking about a man being eaglespread and trying to penetrate the metal surface to get to a brain. The brain is connected to a lifeless body. What's up with words with such sexual connotations as eaglespread and penetrate? I am not suggesting censorship, but I can't find any reason why I would use this book in my classroom. This is the type of book that the adult film industry is probably looking into. Freud would have a field day with this book. It amazes me that it can be called literary. The ship, Helva ends up with the man she hated as her partner. The sexual tensions have been buliding between them. People have the right to read what they want, but I swear this book is a Harlequin with a science-fiction facade. I have one word that describes this book-CHEESE!

In this setting, severely physically handicapped children are trained to be the 'brains' of spaceships, and are partnered with more physically able people who become the ship pilots.

This follows one such person or ship in particular, who likes the whole music thing. She must also deal with the loss of a pilot and the introduction of another.