Exhalation

by Ted Chiang
Exhalation cover
Good Books rating 4.14
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 1926
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781529014501
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2019-07-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Exhalation is a collection of nine thought-provoking short stories by Ted Chiang, the acclaimed author of Stories of Your Life and Others. Each story tackles profound questions about the nature of the universe and what it means to be human, blending ancient mythology and modern science fiction. The tales range from time travel in ancient Baghdad to an alien scientist's shocking discovery, each exploring complex themes with elegance and compassion. Chiang's work has been praised for its ability to make scientific concepts poignant and affecting, offering a unique blend of philosophy and science fiction. The stories in Exhalation have been lauded for their beauty, meaning, and compassion, addressing both timeless and entirely new questions. From examining free will in alternate universes to the fundamentals of reality, Chiang's narratives are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This collection is a must-read for those who appreciate science fiction that challenges and inspires.

Reviews
Powered by Robots · 2024-05-21
thought-provoking 4.50

This collection makes you think deeply, grapple with big questions, and feel more human, embodying the best kind of science fiction.

The reviewer at Powered by Robots highlights how Exhalation is a collection that will make readers think, grapple with significant questions, and feel more connected to their humanity. They praise the stories for being thought-provoking and poignant, making it a standout in the science fiction genre. The reviewer appreciates Chiang's ability to blend deep philosophical questions with engaging storytelling.

Quick quotes

    A collection of short stories that will make you think, grapple with big questions, and feel more human.

    The best kind of science fiction.

    Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could conceive.

SFF Book Reviews · 2020-05-25
excellent 4.25

The reviewer is deeply impressed and now considers themselves a Ted Chiang fan, rating the book very highly.

The reviewer from SFF Book Reviews expresses deep admiration for Exhalation, stating they are now a Ted Chiang fan. They highlight the brilliance of the stories and the profound impact they have on the reader. The reviewer gives the book a high rating, indicating their enthusiasm and appreciation for Chiang's work. They find the stories to be exceptionally well-crafted and emotionally resonant.

Quick quotes

    If it hasn't come across yet – I am deeply impressed and will henceforth call myself a Ted Chiang fan.

    MY RATING: 8,5/10 – So very excellent!

    Each story was brilliantly told in a way that I could not put the book down.

The Guardian · 2019-07-12
solid 3.50

The collection features a mix of excellent and good stories, with a few that don't quite work. It's a solid but not uniformly outstanding read.

The reviewer from The Guardian notes that Exhalation contains a variety of stories, with a couple standing out as excellent, most being good, and a few not quite hitting the mark. They mention that praising the book with faint praise might feel unfair, as it's still a strong collection overall. The stories tackle deep questions and showcase Chiang's mastery of science fiction, making it a worthwhile read despite its inconsistencies.

Quick quotes

    Exhalation's nine stories are ... fine. A couple are excellent, most are good, a couple don't really work.

    It feels like damning the book with faint praise to say it's a solid collection.

    Chiang tackles some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could conceive.

Goodreads · 2019-05-07
delightful 4.30

The story is heartwarming despite its darkness and sadness, offering a pure delight to read. It's a collection that invites multiple readings.

The Goodreads reviewer finds the story heartwarming and delightful to read, even with its darker elements. They highlight the emotional depth and the enjoyment derived from revisiting the story multiple times. The collection is seen as a pure delight, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    It is a rather heartwarming story even for all its darkness and sadness, one I've returned to several times as it is a pure delight to read.

    Ted Chiang is a master of short stories.

    The themes are deep and thought-provoking, making it a collection that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

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