The protagonist, David MacKinnon, is a romantic idealist up for trial for assault. Since the government fears that he will repeat his action, he is given a choice: either allow trained psychologists to fix him, or leave to an area known as Coventry. MacKinnon chooses to leave, he is sent to the rugged outland beyond the Barrier, where people who refuse to abide by social norms—are exiled.
Description:
The protagonist, David MacKinnon, is a romantic idealist up for trial for assault. Since the government fears that he will repeat his action, he is given a choice: either allow trained psychologists to fix him, or leave to an area known as Coventry. MacKinnon chooses to leave, he is sent to the rugged outland beyond the Barrier, where people who refuse to abide by social norms—are exiled.