THE HILLS OF HOME

Episode #412 · Written by Alfred Coppel · Narrated by Scott Miller

Some science fiction stories focus on rockets, calculations, and survival against the void. The Hills of Home turns its attention inward, exploring what happens when a man carries an entire imagined world inside him. As the mission unfolds, memory and longing become just as powerful as gravity, shaping how reality is perceived and endured.

This is a story about distance in all its forms: the space between planets, the space between people, and the widening gap between who we are and who we pretend to be. Alfred Coppel builds tension not through action, but through emotional pressure, asking whether the mind can ever truly leave behind the places it loves most.

Quiet, reflective, and deeply atmospheric, the story examines nostalgia, isolation, and the comfort of fantasy when the real world feels uninhabitable. It challenges the listener to consider whether escape is always a retreat, or sometimes a form of survival.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alfred Coppel wrote science fiction that consistently emphasized character, psychology, and emotional realism. Rather than focusing solely on futuristic technology, he explored how advanced frontiers affect fragile human minds. The Hills of Home reflects his talent for transforming inner conflict into speculative drama, making it one of his most enduring and quietly devastating works.

LISTEN TO THE STORY

Listen to The Hills of Home by Alfred Coppel — a haunting tale of longing and identity from the golden age of science fiction.

RELATED STORIES

• The Flight of the Eagle by Alfred Coppel
• Captain Midas by Alfred Coppel
• Runaway by Alfred Coppel
• The First Man on the Moon by Alfred Coppel
• Wreck Off Triton by Alfred Coppel
• The Invader by Alfred Coppel
• The Hills of Home by Alfred Coppel

ABOUT THE LOST SCI-FI PODCAST

The Lost Sci-Fi Podcast is the most listened-to vintage science fiction podcast in the world. Ranked the #1 Science Fiction Podcast in 34 countries and heard in more than 190 countries, the show has surpassed 3.3 million listens, introducing classic science fiction to a global audience of devoted fans.

Each episode features carefully selected stories from the Golden Age of science fiction, professionally narrated. Timeless storytelling the way it was meant to be heard.

What listeners are saying:

★★★★★ “Well narrated. My go to for old sci-fi brilliantly narrated – no need for sound effects or background music. Keep ‘em coming I’m almost upto date. Thank you for a brilliant podcast.”
—Peetee Bee

★★★★★ “Great stories and superb narration. This podcast is now the one I check first when I want something to relax to each night. The top quality narration really brings the stories to life.. please keep them coming!”
—PrometheusUK

Vintage science fiction. Professionally narrated. Carefully curated.

📬 JOIN LOST SCI-FI WEEKLY

25,000+ Listeners Can’t Be Wrong

Get vintage sci-fi stories, podcast episodes, and surprises every Monday.

FREE SCI-FI EVERY WEEK

✅ Check your email and confirm — that unlocks your free sci-fi downloads.

No spam in this galaxy. You can eject anytime.