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oceanofnight 's review for:
Every Version of You
by Grace Chan
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Every Version of You is speculative story set in the 2080's. We meet Tao-Yi and her partner Navin, who are mainly living in a virtual reality, like the millions around them. The real word is disappearing fast and technology is developing rapidly. When the opportunity comes to upload into Gaia permanently there's a choice to be made, but at what cost.
The writing is stunning and wholly evocative. It's like being in a celestial dream, I found the story completely absorbing and provocative.
The premise and concept is so interesting, intelligent and thought provoking. You find yourself lost in this other world. It's utopian but it's terrifying. It's gorgeous but its ugly. It's a joy to read but it's utterly unsettling. I've not read anything quite like this book and I can't get it out of my mind.
The nods to climate change really shook me - a devastatingly stark warning. The barrier reef is gone, the air is unsafe, the temperature extreme. Going outside is dangerous. Speakers warn of the need for personal protective equipment.
The writing is stunning and wholly evocative. It's like being in a celestial dream, I found the story completely absorbing and provocative.
The premise and concept is so interesting, intelligent and thought provoking. You find yourself lost in this other world. It's utopian but it's terrifying. It's gorgeous but its ugly. It's a joy to read but it's utterly unsettling. I've not read anything quite like this book and I can't get it out of my mind.
The nods to climate change really shook me - a devastatingly stark warning. The barrier reef is gone, the air is unsafe, the temperature extreme. Going outside is dangerous. Speakers warn of the need for personal protective equipment.
"In some places, the earth is split by a network of yawning cracks, as though pulled apart from the edges by unseen hands."
The nonchalance of humans who don't want to be left behind technological advances struck me. No questioning what they might loose. As AI is evolving in our world, it's very pertinent. There's a really touching moment where Navin reflects on his first meeting with Tao-Yi. She can watch it back on her Re-Vision, but he only has a memory ...
"His imperfect recollection, which, he says grows hazier and rosier and lovelier each time he remembers"
As the story progresses, more of Tao-Yi's friends upload, her mothers health worsens, and her despondency and reticence becomes even more palpable. The final sections are emotional and raw, yet tentatively hopeful as we cross desolate landscape and encounter the remains of humanity as we know it. Tao-Yi will stay with me for a very long time.
A mind blowing read, that I will remain mulling over for some time to come and heartily recommend.