num_pages: 185
description: The novel is unusual in that each chapter ends with a cliffhanger, while the next chapter starts in the middle of the action preceding the previous ending, then moves back to resolve the cliffhanger and continues forward. This style of storytelling sets this work apart from many science fiction novels. An example is at the end of Chapter Six. In the last few sentences, Fred Cassidy is talking to an alien telepath disguised as a donkey. The chapter ends when he leaves the donkey alien. In Chapter Seven, it does not start with him leaving the alien. Instead, it begins with Fred back at the college receiving an unwanted graduation form from his latest advisor Dennis Wexworth. After he leaves Dennis's office, the writer switches back to his departure from the alien's stakeout, and leads up to his meeting with the advisor. Zelazny experimented with different styles in his various novels and stories, the effects being generally well-received.
language: English
title: Doorways in the Sand
titlecomplete: Doorways in the Sand
characters: Fred Cassidy, Hal Sidmore, Mary Sidmore, Charv, Theodore Nadler, Paul Byler, Doctor M'mrm'mlrr, Jamie Buckler, Uncle Al Cassidy, Professor Dobson, Morton Zeemeister, Dennis Wexroth, Ragma, Professor Merimee
genres: Classics, Fantasy, Speculative Fiction, Aliens, Humor, Sci Fi Fantasy, Novels, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
ratings_count: 4073
awards: awardedAt: 189331200000
name: Hugo Award
category: Best Novel, awardedAt: 189331200000
name: Nebula Award
category: Best Novel, awardedAt: 189331200000
name: Locus Award
category: Best Novel
publisher: W.H. Allen