AI, time travel, inventions …
The exhaust consists of the following tracks:
The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate is a story set in the distant past in Baghdad. Nevertheless, the main plot is travel in time. The form is also unusual, because one of the characters tells three other stories that illustrate in an interesting way what can be achieved when you know the future.
Software life cycle – the longest story is devoted to virtual reality and the issue of artificial intelligence. The main character starts working in a company that creates digital pets. These creatures learn and develop new skills over time. The title itself indicates that the entire story focuses on the “life cycle” of the so-called digients. The question is, what will happen to them when their popularity ends?
Exhaust is an amazing story. The plot focuses on a researcher who deals with anatomy. However, it is worth emphasizing that this hero is not human. The section made by him not only shows how alien bodies function, but also allows you to understand the laws that govern the universe.
Dacey’s Automatic Nanny – The story set in the past is based on an invention by Mr. Dacey. It was supposed to be a robot that would take care of the child for people. The only question is whether a machine is actually able to replace a human being?
The truth of the facts, the truth of the feelings – another longer story focuses on lifelogs. These devices record the life of each person. Doubts arise when a new version appears on the market that allows you to efficiently search your memories. What if we keep reminding ourselves of our mistakes forever? After all, some things should be forgotten. Interwoven into this story is the story of the Land of Tivs and the influence of their writing on their tradition. Thus, an intricate mixture is created that not only intrigues, but also provokes reflection.
Apart from those mentioned, the collection also includes the following stories: Great Silence , Omphalos , Fear is dizziness from freedom and What will be with us . They raise issues such as creationism, free will, or the hypothesis of many worlds.
The beauty of the cosmos
The workmanship is delightful. Hard cover, pleasant to the touch texture, intriguing cover. I only have doubts about the recommendations. Such advertising gimmicks do not appeal to me at all. In addition, I came across a few minor typos.
Is it worth reaching for the Exhaust ?
Ted Chang’s songs are phenomenal. The heroes are usually ordinary people faced with an unusual invention. Nevertheless, in some stories you do not feel that the protagonists are an important part of the story, because it is not the plot that is the most important, but reflection on the world, the human … The variety of motifs presented in individual stories is also fascinating. I liked the five stories the most: The Merchant and the Alchemist’s Gate , The Truth of the Facts, the Truth of Feelings , Exhale , The Software Life Cycle , Anxiety is Dizziness on Freedom. The others, of course, also keep the level, what’s more, each of the songs included in the collection has something intriguing about it. I honestly admit that I have no words to say what exactly captivated me about Exhaust . All in all, maybe this is the best recommendation. I simply ran out of breath after reading this book, so I’m not surprised why Ted Chiang made the eponymous story Exhaust .
