Title: The Speed of Dark
Author: Elizabeth Moon
First published January 1, 2002
369 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345481399 (ISBN10: 0345481399)
Rating: 4
Overview
In the not-too-distant future, medical advancements have eradicated most genetic defects. However, for those born in the generation just before these breakthroughs, life is far from perfect.
Among them is Lou Arrendale, a high-functioning autistic adult who has learned to blend in as best he can. He has a steady job and a love for fencing, but his peace is shattered when he is offered an experimental treatment that could cure his autism.
Will he still be himself if he undergoes this procedure? Will he still be able to love Marjory, a woman who may never be able to reciprocate his feelings?
As pressure mounts from all sides, Lou must decide whether to take a risk that could change everything he knows about himself and the world. Elizabeth Moon’s The Speed of Dark is a profound and thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human.
About the Author
Elizabeth Moon was born on March 7, 1945, and grew up in McAllen, Texas. She graduated from McAllen High School in 1963 and went on to earn a B.A. in History from Rice University in 1968.
Later, in 1975, she earned another B.A. in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she also pursued graduate work in Biology at the University of Texas, San Antonio.
From 1968 to 1971, Elizabeth served in the USMC, first at MCB Quantico and then at HQMC. In 1969, she married Richard Moon, a fellow Rice classmate and Army officer.
They moved to a small central Texas town in 1979, where they still reside. They have one son, born in 1983.
Elizabeth started writing stories and poems as a small child. At the age of six, she attempted her first book, an illustrated biography of the family dog.
She started writing science fiction in high school but didn’t take it seriously. In the 1980s, she began submitting her work and finally got her first fiction sale at the age of forty.
Her story “Bargains” was published in Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Sword & Sorceress III, and “ABCs in Zero G” was featured in Analog.
In 1987, Elizabeth’s first novel, “Sheepfarmer’s Daughter,” was sold, and it was released in 1988. It won the Compton Crook Award in 1989.
Her book “Remnant Population” was a Hugo nominee in 1997, and it was a finalist for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
In 2004, it won the Nebula.
Editoral Review
The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon is a novel that is sure to make readers ponder the concept of normalcy and the consequences of violating societal expectations. Elizabeth Moon, an American science fiction and fantasy author, takes readers on a journey through the eyes of Lou Arrendale, a high-functioning autistic man who works at a bio-research facility.
This 2002 novel, published by Del Rey Books, delves into themes of identity, difference, and the morality of the medical industry. The novel’s title refers to the idea that Lou’s mind works faster than the minds of those around him, allowing him to process information quickly while also inducing some sensory overload.
Moon’s novel takes place in a future that is somewhat familiar to us, where technological breakthroughs have resulted in drastic advancements in medicine and made it possible to cure autism in utero. Lou and his fellow autistic employees are given the opportunity to undergo an experimental treatment that may cure their autism.
The Speed of Dark is best summarized as a character study of Lou. Lou struggles with social cues and communicating with those around him, yet he is highly intelligent and capable in his work at the bio-research facility.
As his employer urges him to undergo treatment, Lou must make a difficult decision that pits his desire to stay true to himself against societal expectations. Moon’s writing style has a richness that draws readers into Lou’s world, allowing readers to experience what it may be like to live with autism.
One of the strengths of the novel is its ability to portray a unique perspective on autism from the perspective of someone who is living with it. Moon’s ability to create a narrative that captures the internal thought processes of Lou sheds new light on how people with autism might think, feel, and act.
Through Lou’s eyes, readers can understand the nuances of his condition and appreciate how it might be perceived by those with the disorder. However, the novel does have some limitations.
Moon focuses heavily on Lou’s experiences, leaving some supporting characters feeling underdeveloped. Additionally, some readers may find the novel’s pacing slower than they would prefer, but this can be attributed to the author’s attention to detail and desire to fully immerse readers in Lou’s world.
Overall, The Speed of Dark is an exceptional novel that explores timely themes of identity and the morality of medical intervention. It is a thought-provoking read that is sure to challenge readers’ views about what is considered “normal” or “acceptable” behavior.
The novel showcases Moon’s talent for creating captivating characters and worlds, leaving readers feeling satisfied with the overall experience. It would be a great recommendation for readers who enjoy character-driven novels and those interested in exploring the complexities of the human mind.
On a scale of one to five, The Speed of Dark earns a solid four stars.
