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Recursion

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Recursion by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that delves into the concept of False Memory Syndrome, where people recall alternate events and lives they never lived. The story follows NYPD officer Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith as they investigate and try to solve the mysterious syndrome. As their paths intertwine, they discover the implications of altering memories and the consequences it has on a personal and global scale. The writing style is described as mind-bending, thought-provoking, and emotionally moving, with a plot that explores the complexities of time travel and memory manipulation.

Characters:

Characters are layered and flawed, specifically Barry and Helena, who each deal with personal trauma related to memory loss and grief.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is straightforward, fast-paced, and cinematic, making it easy to read despite its complex themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents dual characters confronting the effects of False Memory Syndrome while exploring deep, existential themes about memory and reality.

Setting:

The setting ranges from New York City to a remote research facility, grounding the sci-fi elements in a contemporary context.

Pacing:

The pacing is primarily fast and engaging, though some find the first half slower before it ramps up into a whirlwind of plot twists.
Barry Sutton pulls over into the fire lane at the main entrance of the Poe Building, an Art Deco tower glowing white in the illumination of its exterior sconces. He climbs out of his Crown Vic, rushes...

Notes:

Recursion explores the concept of False Memory Syndrome (FMS), where people suddenly have vivid memories of lives they never lived.
The story features two main characters: Barry Sutton, a NYC police detective, and Helena Smith, a neuroscientist working on memory technology.
Helena invents a device, referred to as a 'memory chair,' intended to help Alzheimer's patients by enabling them to relive their memories.
The narrative examines the consequences of altering one’s past and how that can impact the present and future.
Crouch's prose is both captivating and fast-paced, often described as feeling cinematic.
The book raises philosophical questions about memory, identity, and what it means to be human.
Many readers find the mix of science fiction and emotional depth engaging, with the story moving through themes of grief and regret.
The narrative's complexity and plot twists keep readers guessing, often leaving them introspective long after they've finished the book.
The intertwining of different timelines leads to chaos, as characters grapple with the effects of their actions on multiple realities.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings for Recursion include mentions of suicide, grief, false memories, and some violence.

Has Romance?

The romance is a medium element in the story, as it intertwines with the main plot and character development but does not overshadow the central themes.

From The Publisher:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

From the bestselling author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines trilogy comes a relentless thriller about time, identity, and memory-his most mind-boggling, irresistible work to date, and the inspiration for Shondaland's upcoming Netflix film.

"Gloriously twisting . . . a heady campfire tale of a novel."-The New York Times Book Review

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY Time

NPR

BookRiot

Reality is broken.

At first, it looks like a disease. An epidemic that spreads through no known means, driving its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. But the force that's sweeping the world is no pathogen. It's just the first shock wave, unleashed by a stunning discovery-and what's in jeopardy is not our minds but the very fabric of time itself.

In New York City, Detective Barry Sutton is closing in on the truth-and in a remote laboratory, neuroscientist Helena Smith is unaware that she alone holds the key to this mystery . . . and the tools for fighting back.

Together, Barry and Helena will have to confront their enemy-before they, and the world, are trapped in a loop of ever-growing chaos.

Praise for Recursion

"An action-packed, brilliantly unique ride that had me up late and shirking responsibilities until I had devoured the last page . . . a fantastic read."-Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian

"Another profound science-fiction thriller. Crouch masterfully blends science and intrigue into the experience of what it means to be deeply human."-Newsweek

"Definitely not one to forget when you're packing for vacation . . . [Crouch] breathes fresh life into matters with a mix of heart, intelligence, and philosophical musings."-Entertainment Weekly

"A trippy journey down memory lane . . . [Crouch's] intelligence is an able match for the challenge he's set of overcoming the structure of time itself."-Time

"Wildly entertaining . . . another winning novel from an author at the top of his game."-AV Club

Ratings (191)

Incredible (34)
Loved It (86)
Liked It (43)
It Was OK (20)
Did Not Like (6)
Hated It (2)

Reader Stats (400):

Read It (190)
Currently Reading (5)
Want To Read (159)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (43)

6 comment(s)

Incredible
4 days

A master of what I like to call sci fi lite, Crouch takes extremely out of the world concepts that feel grounded through the characters and their relationships.

 
Liked It
1 week

I generally liked it but there were moments that had annoyed enough to question the whole book. Moments that should not have happened with supposedly brilliant characters; moments that made me sigh and go “here we go again”; moments that were just a little past suspension of disbelief. These moments brought the book down from great to just good.

 
Loved It
3 weeks

4.5 *

RTC

 
Incredible
3 months

Really interesting concept and execution. The ending is a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.

 
Loved It
3 months

I really enjoyed this, particularly the sci-fi elements--I thought all the "rules" of how the chair worked were well thought-out and relatively easy to follow. I did feel like there was something lacking in the character development area, though, which is probably just a consequence of how the story had to play out. I also felt like there weren't really any stakes towards the end (which is weird since the stakes only got higher as it went on.....it just didn't feel that way), and I had a hard time feeling engage and immersed in the story world.

Good beginning, great premise, but the last third of the book was relatively uninspiring.

 
It Was OK
4 months

I was confused throughout this entire book. I didn't fully understand how the chair worked

 

About the Author:

Blake Crouch is a bestselling novelist and screenwriter. His novels include Recursion, Dark Matter, and the Wayward Pines trilogy, which was adapted into a television series for FOX. Crouch also co-created the TNT show Good Behavior, based on his Letty Dobesh…

 
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