Speed of Dark (Elizabeth Moon)

27 November 2019

Speed of Dark

Lou is different to 'normal' people. He interacts with the world in a way they do not understand. He might not see the things they see, however, but he also sees many things they do not. Lou is autistic.
One of his skills is an ability to find patterns in data: extraordinary, complex, beautiful patterns that not even the most powerful computers can comprehend. The technology company he works for has made considerable sums of money from Lou's work. But now they want Lou to change - to become 'normal' like themselves. And he must face the greatest challenge of his life. To understand the speed of dark.

Average Rating:

Ross Hetherington (9 February 2020 14:52)

I was very glad to have read this, and would recommend it to anyone.

Sinclair Manson (2 December 2019 12:48)

A well written exploration of life with autism with subtle touches of science fiction. The author has clearly researched and put a lot of thought into the experience of autism. She writes with feeling, sympathising with the autistic and villifying those who make autistic lives difficult. The writing is extremely engaging and Lou is a very sympathetic character, making it a pleasure to read a chapter in which he simply does his laundry or goes shopping and upsetting to see him persecuted. There are a lot of ideas flying about in the book too, questions especially about pathologising the abnormal, about identity and experience. Lou's ultimate choice provoked a range of responses in the discussion group but no-one seemed indifferent.