Sweet Harmony by Claire North is a novella set in a world where biological nanotechnology can enhance human health and appearance through in-app purchases. The story follows Harmony, a shop girl struggling with financial burdens, personal relationships, and the societal pressures of maintaining upgrades. As Harmony navigates the consequences of relying on nanotechnology for physical perfection, the narrative delves into themes of consumerism, debt, and the loss of control over one's life. Claire North's writing style is described as beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a near-future society where technology blurs the lines between humanity and artificial enhancements.

Characters:

The characters, particularly Harmony, are nuanced, grappling with societal expectations and personal struggles in a bleak environment.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by beautiful, vivid descriptions, although some readers perceive it as overly descriptive or didactic.

Plot/Storyline:

The story primarily revolves around Harmony's experience with debt and the dark implications of advanced technology, depicting a near-future where societal pressures lead to personal chaos.

Setting:

The setting is a near-future version of the UK, characterized by the absence of public healthcare and the prevalence of consumer-driven technology.

Pacing:

The pacing can be slow and contemplative, leading to a gradual buildup of tension, which might not resonate with all readers.

Notes:

The story features a character named Harmony who struggles with financial issues and the pressures of a technologically advanced society.

Harmony is 29 years old and works as a shop girl, trying to escape her bleak life through upgrades and credit cards.

The narrative presents a near-future society where beauty, health, and intelligence can be bought through technology.

The book explores the negative consequences of relying on technology and consumerism to achieve perfection.

Claire North's writing is praised for its vivid descriptions and deep character portrayals.

The setting is akin to today's UK, but it lacks a National Health Service, relying instead on private health technologies.

Themes of debt, control, and societal pressures are central to the story, showcasing how individuals cope with modern challenges.

Harmony's life is filled with abusive relationships and overwhelming societal expectations, reflecting real-world struggles.

Readers feel that the book delivers a dark warning about the consequences of unchecked technology and consumerism.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of financial struggle, abusive relationships, mental health issues, and societal expectations.

From The Publisher:

From the bestselling and award-winning author of The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August and 84K , a darkly inventive novella about the dangers of pursuing perfection.

Harmony is tired. Tired of working so hard, tired of the way she looks, tired of being average.

But all that changes when she decides to splash out and upgrade her nanos. And why not? Everyone's doing it now. With a simple in-app purchase, you can update the tech in your bloodstream to transform yourself - get enhanced brain power, the perfect body or a dazzling smile. Suddenly, everything starts going right for her. She's finally becoming the person she always wanted to be.

But as Harmony will find out, there's a limit to how many upgrades a body can take . . .

Previous books by Claire North: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August Touch The Sudden Appearance of Hope The End of the Day 84K

By the same author, writing as Kate Griffin: A Madness of Angels The Midnight Mayor The Neon Court The Minority Council The Glass God Stray Souls

What can you read after
Sweet Harmony?

See the list (13 books)

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