'Spares' by Michael Marshall Smith is a science fiction novel set in a future world where genetic clones are created as insurance for the wealthy. The story follows Jack Randall, an ex-soldier who ends up at a Spares farm after the tragic loss of his family. The book intertwines two major plotlines - Jack's past and his experiences at the Spares farm, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The writing style is described as imaginative and bizarre, with a focus on sympathetic characters and a realistic ending.

Characters:

The characters, especially the protagonist Jack Randall, are multi-dimensional and complex, reflecting struggles with addiction, moral dilemmas, and societal issues surrounding clones.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style combines slick, modern noir prose with witty dialogue and impactful metaphors, successfully balancing humor with dark subject matter.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on Jack Randall, who grapples with his troubled past while navigating a dark society that exploits clones. His journey involves uncovering mysteries while reflecting on his own flaws.

Setting:

The novel's setting encompasses a dystopian future characterized by a massive, socially divided city, complemented by surreal and disturbing elements of a war-torn digital landscape.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and dynamic, utilizing action sequences and flashbacks to maintain engagement, though some critics note occasional disjointedness.

New Richmond, Virginia. Not the old Richmond, the historic capital of historical old Virginia, that sprawl of creaking tedium, but the New. The old Richmond was destroyed over a century ago, razed to ...

Notes:

Spares is a sci-fi dystopia novel by Michael Marshall Smith.

The story revolves around clones and their treatment in a bleak future society.

The main character, Jack Randall, is a flawed ex-policeman with a troubled past and an addiction to a drug called 'rapt'.

Jack becomes a protector for a group of human clones known as 'spares'.

The novel features a mix of dark humor and intense, graphic situations.

Flashbacks play a significant role in the narrative, revealing the protagonist's backstory and motivations.

Spares contains themes of human connection and memory, similar to Smith's first novel, Only Forward.

The setting includes a large flying city known as New Richmond, which consists of more than 100 floors.

Much of the story is told through Jack's first-person perspective, highlighting his internal struggles and sarcasm.

The book features elements of horror and psychological depth, exploring the corrupt society that exists in the future.

Spares inspired the film The Island, although the adaptation was deemed a poor representation of the book.

The narrative includes a blend of hard-hitting action scenes and surreal elements, making it a dynamic read.

Spares is noted for its critique of a society that commodifies human life through the concept of cloning.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings for graphic violence, drug addiction, and themes of human experimentation and trauma.

From The Publisher:

Talking fridges, human clone farms, flying shopping malls - we must be in the Michael Marshall Smith zone. A world all too close to our own…

Spares - human clones, the ultimate health insurance. An eye for an eye - but some people are doing all the taking.

Spares - the story of Jack Randall: burnt-out, dropped out, and way overdrawn at the luck bank. But as caretaker on a Spares Farm, he still has a choice, and it might make a difference…if he can run fast enough.

Spares - a breathless race through strange, disturbing territories in a world all too close to our own.

Spares - it's fiction. But only just…

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Spares

Michael Marshall Smith