The When, Where and Why of Who
An author whose books I've reviewed is revamping her Amazon page, but who...? Well, Who is one of the novels she had on that page. It's set in the not-too-distant future, here among everyday regular people, and an enticing strangeness has its characters wondering why. Here's my review:
Author Karen Wyle has the knack of taking present-day technology to a not-so-far-fetched future and asking those difficult questions that make it all real. In Who, she invites us into a world where selves can be digitally preserved after death. But will a digital nose still run when we cry? Do digital wrinkles increase or decrease with age? And will the digital self be true to the real? All of which leads to those central, most important questions, of life as well as fiction; how well do we truly know anyone—ourselves or anyone else? And what is self?
Add politics, perfectly tuned to seem real without offending readers, whatever their persuasion; add art, with music, shape and form to enthrall and absorb; add two people who truly love each other, families who really can overcome disagreement, and a lawyer with vision and purpose; add “Digital Life Denies Life Eternal” messages on protesters’ banners; and add an enticing story that moves swiftly through art and science, religion and politics, relationships and law, love, loss and more—Who is smoothly written, hauntingly imagined, entertaining and thought-provoking, and a really great read.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review.
Who - a tale of not-too-future technology and very present-day relevance...
Author Karen Wyle has the knack of taking present-day technology to a not-so-far-fetched future and asking those difficult questions that make it all real. In Who, she invites us into a world where selves can be digitally preserved after death. But will a digital nose still run when we cry? Do digital wrinkles increase or decrease with age? And will the digital self be true to the real? All of which leads to those central, most important questions, of life as well as fiction; how well do we truly know anyone—ourselves or anyone else? And what is self?
Add politics, perfectly tuned to seem real without offending readers, whatever their persuasion; add art, with music, shape and form to enthrall and absorb; add two people who truly love each other, families who really can overcome disagreement, and a lawyer with vision and purpose; add “Digital Life Denies Life Eternal” messages on protesters’ banners; and add an enticing story that moves swiftly through art and science, religion and politics, relationships and law, love, loss and more—Who is smoothly written, hauntingly imagined, entertaining and thought-provoking, and a really great read.
Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review.
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