Recursion

Author: Blake Crouch
Genre: Thriller, Science Fiction
326 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books, 2019

Synopsis
Recursion is a mind-bending science fiction novel by Blake Crouch. Memory makes reality. That’s what NYC cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived. That’s what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.

As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds, but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.
 
But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?

My review
Recursion by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending and thought-provoking novel that completely immersed me in its complex narrative. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story by the intriguing concept of False Memory Syndrome and this is a thrilling roller-coaster ride through the complexities of memory, time, and identity.

One of the aspects of the book that stood out to me was the way Crouch masterfully crafted the characters of Sutton and Smith. Both characters are deeply flawed yet immensely relatable, making their struggles and choices throughout the story feel incredibly real. I found myself rooting for them and empathizing with their emotional journeys.

The plot of Recursion is incredibly well-paced, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. It got a little bogged down about 75% into the novel but it quickly moved on. The concept of recursion itself is mind-boggling, and Crouch does an excellent job of exploring its implications without losing the reader in overly technical explanations.

One of the most impressive aspects of Recursion is how it seamlessly blends science fiction with elements of thriller and mystery. The stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and the sense of urgency drives the narrative forward at a breakneck pace.

Overall, Recursion is a brilliant novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s a gripping story that raises fascinating questions about memory, identity, and the nature of reality. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

My recommendation: read it!