| Unabridged Editions: |
Format: |
Availability: |
Price: |
Ordering Options: |
| Purchase (Collector's) |
9 Tapes |
Out of Stock |
$72.00 $36.00 |
   |
|
Editorial Review
In the near future, disease will be a condition of the past, cured genetically at birth or soon afterward. But for the generation born before this development, it is too late, and they must get along as best they can. Lou Arrendale is in this lost generation. He is a high-functioning autistic, with a job, friends, and a hobby. He has learned how to get along with his disability. But now, an experimental treatment will cure his autism. The question is, will he be the same person after he receives the treatment? Will he experience music, life, and love in the same way? With pressure mounting from his intolerant boss to become "normal," Lou must decide whether to undergo surgery that might well change the way he is.
"Absolutely compelling ... A fine novel! Elizabeth Moon takes us to a part of the human neighborhood that is at once enchanting and heartbreaking." (Greg Bear, author of DARWIN'S RADIO)
Customer Reviews
Have you listened to this audiobook? Please submit your ratings and review it!
Book rating:  Reader rating:
Reviewer: Nancy Williams (see other books I've reviewed) | May 13, 2003 |
| This is an incredible book, set in the near future, about a man with high functioning autism. He is asked to make a difficult choice regarding an experimental cure for his disorder. The book explores the thought process and ethics of making this decision. I am a psychology professor and recommend this book to my students to help them gain an understanding of autistic thought processes and world views. This book is fascinating! |
Book rating: Reader rating:
Reviewer: Patti Sakimoto (see other books I've reviewed) | March 26, 2003 |
The Speed of Dark is a fascinating and deeply moving look into the world of autism, told from the autistics point of view.
Lou Arrandale is a high-functioning autistic in a future world that has learned to value and accommodate the autistics contributions in the work place. Unfortunately societys prejudices toward the autistic are not progressive. Lous employer wants him to try a new experimental drug that will make him and his fellow autistic co-workers normal, thereby reducing company costs for special accommodations. Will he or wont he take the drug?
In The Speed of Dark we learn that autism, and indeed many cognitive disabilities, are simply due to different mental wiring, a different perception of the world but no less valid than normal wiring.
One gets the impression from this story that Ms. Moon has intimate knowledge of the world of the autistic. Her novel is a loving and engaging glimpse into this world, and I challenge anyone to come away from this novel unmoved! |
Book rating:  Reader rating:
Reviewer: Anonymous (see other books I've reviewed) | March 18, 2003 |
| I very much enjoyed this story. It reminded me of "Flowers for Algernon," had the same kind of feel, while being very different at the same time. Well worth listening to if medical/business ethics are
of interest to you.
This book is the winner of the 2003 Nebula Award. |
|
