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A review by lachlanfinlayson
Dual Memory by Sue Burke
5.0
“Always be nice to machines” is a quote from the early part of Sue Burke’s new book, Dual Memory. And this advice remains with me long after I have finished reading the book. Just as her earlier book, Semiosis, made me wary of bamboo, this book may cause a reader to think carefully about machines.
I expect anyone who has enjoyed Sue’s previous books will like this one. The setting is our planet Earth, quite some time in the future as life from other planets, at least is micro-form, is known, observed and highly valued. Machines are a part of life, with some more intelligent and powerful than others. In fact they, like humans, may even be chatty, annoying, anxious and excitable. But always invariable polite, courteous and frequently cooperative with other machines. We could learn a lot from them. Sue develops her non-machine characters as well. Some obviously good people, others clearly bad and some who with a more nuanced persona. There is conflict between the stratified social groups in the community where this book takes place. Alliances shift depending on external threats on their location, an isolated island in the Artic north.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Exciting plot, well developed characters and a satisfying ending. Sue’s writing makes you pause and think. Sometimes to search for extra information on wikipedia. Other times just to reflect on her themes and ideas. Her writing also makes you smile and even occasionally chuckle ! Dual Memory is a delight. I wish the author great success with the publication and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
I expect anyone who has enjoyed Sue’s previous books will like this one. The setting is our planet Earth, quite some time in the future as life from other planets, at least is micro-form, is known, observed and highly valued. Machines are a part of life, with some more intelligent and powerful than others. In fact they, like humans, may even be chatty, annoying, anxious and excitable. But always invariable polite, courteous and frequently cooperative with other machines. We could learn a lot from them. Sue develops her non-machine characters as well. Some obviously good people, others clearly bad and some who with a more nuanced persona. There is conflict between the stratified social groups in the community where this book takes place. Alliances shift depending on external threats on their location, an isolated island in the Artic north.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Exciting plot, well developed characters and a satisfying ending. Sue’s writing makes you pause and think. Sometimes to search for extra information on wikipedia. Other times just to reflect on her themes and ideas. Her writing also makes you smile and even occasionally chuckle ! Dual Memory is a delight. I wish the author great success with the publication and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.