Adrian Schönig reviewed Recursion by Blake Crouch
Short review
5 stars
What a brilliant take on time travel. Took a little while for me to get into it but then it really hits the strides. Recommended.
hardcover, 336 pages
Published June 13, 2019 by Macmillan.
Memory makes reality.
That’s what New York City cop Barry Sutton is learning as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
That's what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face-to-face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can …
Memory makes reality.
That’s what New York City cop Barry Sutton is learning as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.
That's what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.
As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face-to-face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?
What a brilliant take on time travel. Took a little while for me to get into it but then it really hits the strides. Recommended.
Interesting concepts about memory and time and how screwing around with both/either can have catastrophic consequences. I didn't think the world building or the characters were very well-developed, but it did make for an entertaining story.
It's just like Steins;Gate, with more explosions and getting naked, and less lab coats and megalomania. S;G was way more fun though.
This is like a horror version of the Time Traveler's Wife starring a decent but flawed cop and an ambitious scientist who learns humility experientially. Solid read. Needs better review. ;-)
Interesting play in the old time travel story.
The book is interesting; will keep you glued to the pages wondering what next; even though you already know as it doesn't propose any groundbreaking storytelling Avenue.
Still quite interesting and enjoyable