A review by foggy_rosamund
Murmur by Will Eaves

5.0

This book is challenging, but it rewards the reader's attention and patience tenfold. It tells the story of Alec Pryor, who is based on Alan Turing. At the opening of the book, Alec is undergoing chemical castration, because he is accused of having sex with men. Alec has worked at Bletchley Park, his work has been invaluable to the war effort, but as a man who holds state secrets, he is viewed with suspicion by the police and officials. Will Eaves is concerned with Jungian psychotherapy; with dream states; with the meaning of artificial intelligence; with whether Alec can hold on to his identity while his body changes without his consent. Eaves gives the reader little to hold on to as he wanders in and out of Alec's subconscious: Alec's mind is full of beauty, thoughts on mathematics and AI, and potent with symbols. The reader must let go of their need for a linear plot, and follow Alec into his inner world. Eaves is also a poet, which comes across to me in the precision and beauty of his prose. This book is a remarkable exploration of the way our minds work, of trauma and loss, and an imaginative exploration of AI and computers. I found this utterly fascinating, and kept underlining parts in pencil, but at the same time, it was work to read: I had to take a break halfway through when I was too tired to put in the effort. But it does repay your effort: it's a rich, though-provoking book, one that will bear rereading, and which I highly recommend.