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alcc's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
perilous1's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
A thoughtful examination of life, divergent realities, the consequences of our actions... and what our actions say about us.
Here we follow the only passingly interconnected lives of two women--one a therapist, the other an ex-addict who is currently functioning as a semi-reluctant con woman.
In this version of reality, a means has been invented for people to interact with other presently existing versions of themselves within the multiverse--although, to a far more limited capacity than is usually envisioned in speculative fiction that indulges in this plot device. (Chiang admits to being something of a multiverse agnostic in his end explanation.)
This novelty allows people to inquire of their other selves as to the outcome of past decisions, both long past and recent. The result is that some become obsessive about what might-have-been, though this doesn't ultimately seem to offer much benefit to their future. The story presents some engaging what-ifs without really delving into anything as sticky as time-travel.
I loved the ending. Chiang pulled the two character arches together in such a concise and satisfying way. I'd even say it presented readers with a heartening moral--though Chiang has previously declared he doesn't write fables. To this reader's understanding, this story did indeed have something valuable to teach.
A thoughtful examination of life, divergent realities, the consequences of our actions... and what our actions say about us.
Here we follow the only passingly interconnected lives of two women--one a therapist, the other an ex-addict who is currently functioning as a semi-reluctant con woman.
In this version of reality, a means has been invented for people to interact with other presently existing versions of themselves within the multiverse--although, to a far more limited capacity than is usually envisioned in speculative fiction that indulges in this plot device. (Chiang admits to being something of a multiverse agnostic in his end explanation.)
This novelty allows people to inquire of their other selves as to the outcome of past decisions, both long past and recent. The result is that some become obsessive about what might-have-been, though this doesn't ultimately seem to offer much benefit to their future. The story presents some engaging what-ifs without really delving into anything as sticky as time-travel.
I loved the ending. Chiang pulled the two character arches together in such a concise and satisfying way. I'd even say it presented readers with a heartening moral--though Chiang has previously declared he doesn't write fables. To this reader's understanding, this story did indeed have something valuable to teach.
christopherchandler's review
5.0
I wanted to read this novella because it is a 2020 Hugo finalist. I love when you can find a great story in so few pages and that's exactly what you get here. The idea of being able to call a slightly different version of yourself in a parallel world is bizarre in the best way. You get a little bit of parallel universes action, quantum theory, and philosophy of free will all in about 70 pages.
dlsmall's review
4.0
Not a shocker that this started from a cool concept/technology existing in this universe. As I realized the primary story we were going to focus on given the multitude of possible ones available, I was frustrated a bit, but the ending was satisfying…if I’m not sure totally consistent.
bill_muganda's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
brokenrecord's review
4.0
This was a really fun premise, but the story also didn't rely solely on the premise being unique — the characters were also interesting and well-developed. I wouldn't have minded if this had been novel-length rather than novella-length.
topherisswell's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0