Of the American author Robert Silverberg, To the doors of the life (original title: To the Land off the Living ) is a novel of Science-fiction published in the editions Robert Laffont (1984). A curtailed version of this novel (the news Gilgamesh in the Outback ) was worth with its author a Prix Hugo (1987). Also, this work was considered for a Prix Nebula (1986).

Summary

Gilgamesh, king of Ourouk, died since thousands of years. In a world where all are ressuscities, he seeks his friend Enkidou. By doing this, it will meet at the same time strange and famous characters (in particular the authors H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, the painter Pablo Picasso, the Roman Emperor Jules César, Helen of Troy and Odin, god of the Scandinavian Mythologie). Also, it will try to regain the city of which he was king. Lastly, it will wish to leave this world.

This novel describes a after-life similar to the terrestrial life. In this universe, death is however transitory: all must wander eternally. Also, there is no more reference mark: time is mislaid, the borders move, the spirit is muddled. Remain all the same the friendship and honesty.