a book of sorrow for the destruction we’re bringing on ourselves. Nagamatsu squarely hits both the 'literary' and 'science fiction' targets, offering psychological insights in lyrical prose while seriously exploring speculative conceits. a welcome addition to a growing trend of what we might call the 'speculative epic': genre-bending novels that use a wide aperture to tackle large issues like climate change while jumping between characters, timelines and even narrative modes.
That said, the somber tone unifies the disparate characters and story lines. Humanity has long turned to humor in our darkest moments, but levity feels absent even in a chapter narrated by a stand-up comedian. The reader might best approach the book like a melancholy Black Mirror season. If you crave sustained character and plot arcs, well, you’ll have to settle for admiring the well-honed prose, poignant meditations and unique concepts. If you’re a short-story lover - as I am - you’ll be impressed with Nagamatsu’s meticulous craft.
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