This is really an extraordinary collection of short science fiction stories. They are unusual - both profoundly character-driven, and illustrative of genuinely novel scientific thought.
Chiang is obviously comfortable with a wide range of knowledge, covering mathematics, physics, neurology, and theology in various stories. In some ways, his writing is reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges, with his formality and mathematical background, and in other ways he reminds me of China Mieville in the way he integrates obscure theologies with alternate-reality science.
At the end of each story, I had to stop and think through the implications. These are rare and precious stories that genuinely expand the mind.
Chiang is obviously comfortable with a wide range of knowledge, covering mathematics, physics, neurology, and theology in various stories. In some ways, his writing is reminiscent of Jorge Luis Borges, with his formality and mathematical background, and in other ways he reminds me of China Mieville in the way he integrates obscure theologies with alternate-reality science.
At the end of each story, I had to stop and think through the implications. These are rare and precious stories that genuinely expand the mind.
