Abstract In this article, the writer notes that in Jonathan Lethem's science fiction novel 'Girl in Landscape', one of the more intriguing characters one meets throughout the course of the book is Efram Nugent. From his very first mention shortly after the Marsh family's arrival on the Planet of the Archbuilders, Efram assumes a mysterious though powerful role. In this essay, the writer argues that Efram Nugent occupies a God-like position in the order of things on the Planet of the Archbuilders. The writer shows how Efram's telepathic abilities to see everything that goes on through the household deer effectively positions him in the classic theological role that is traditionally associated with a higher power.
From the Paper "Pella is able to immediately pick up on Efram's God-like demeanor, which thus provides the backdrop to her strong emotional ambivalence towards him. She feels herself strangely attracted to him; at the same time, she is also very much afraid of him and wishes to steer clear of him. She is unable to do so, however, because he persistently pulls her towards him with a sort of gravitational force that is beyond her control - or perhaps even her comprehension. It is through Efram that Pella feels herself becoming something truly other - transcending her human features and becoming one of Efram/God's vehicles of perception."
