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.
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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)
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.
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.
4.5 *
RTC
Really interesting concept and execution. The ending is a little underwhelming compared to the rest of the book.
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.
I was confused throughout this entire book. I didn't fully understand how the chair worked
What can you read after
Recursion?
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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