This is a mind-bending thriller with a heart. It’s similar to Dark Matter but I didn’t like it quite as much, mainly because all the timelines became confusing.
The book centres around a new technology which allows memories to be changed and new timelines created, effectively altering the past, present and future. It reminded me a little of the films The Butterfly Effect and Minority Report. The story is narrated in the third person, following Helena (a scientist with a special interest in memory) and a policeman called Barry, who separated from his wife after his daughter died. It starts off with Barry investigating people who claim to have ‘False Memory Syndrome’, in which they remember alternative lives to those which they’re currently living. What start off as a handful of cases soon involve everyone in the world.
If you like thrillers with an element of science fiction and a strong emotional pull, I recommend Recursion.
I found the ending to be predictable, yet there wasn’t really any other way the story could be resolved. It was the right ending but I would have liked more of a twist.
First published in 2019.
Great review! I had very similar feelings, I enjoyed the book but found the ending quite predictable. I haven’t read Dark Matter yet though so I’m looking forward to that.
Thanks! If you liked this then I think you will like Dark Matter even more! Although if asked to summarise the plot I wouldn’t be able to, it’s so complex.
I need to get round to reading this, I love Blake Crouch. Great review.
I’m intrigued by this! And I love the book’s cover!
This author’s books all sounds so good. Haven’t read Dark Matter yet, though!! Great review 🙂
Thanks! If you read Dark Matter I would be interested to know what you think 🙂
Share the same sentiment as you. Also some parts I felt a little repetitive. Great start and Pretty entertaining overall but not something I’d revisit. Great review, NS!
I’m glad we feel the same about this one 🙂 I wouldn’t re-read it. Thanks Jee!