Recursion

by Blake Crouch
Recursion cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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  • ID: 3631
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781509866663
  • Publisher: Macmillan
  • Published: 2019-06-11
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Recursion, the follow-up to Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, delves into the fascinating and unsettling world of memory manipulation. The story begins with a mysterious suicide that leads Barry Sutton on a quest to uncover the truth behind a series of people experiencing drastically different lives upon waking. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Helena Smith is on the brink of a groundbreaking discovery that allows people to relive their most cherished memories. As Barry's investigation deepens, he realizes that Helena's technology has far more sinister implications, offering the power to not just preserve but alter memories, potentially erasing what it means to be human. This thrilling exploration of memory and identity pushes the boundaries of science fiction, blending cutting-edge neuroscience with a gripping narrative that challenges our understanding of reality. The novel raises profound questions about the nature of memory, the self, and the ethical implications of technological advancements that can rewrite our pasts.

Reviews
The Book Dutchesses · 2023-01-19
mixed 3.00

The book is praised for its plot-driven narrative but criticized for lacking deep character development. It is seen as an enjoyable but somewhat shallow read.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book is highly plot-driven and enjoyable, making it a quick and engaging read. However, they express disappointment with the lack of character development, feeling that the characters are not well-developed or particularly likable. Despite this, the reviewer finds the plot to be intriguing and the concepts explored to be fascinating.

Quick quotes

    This book is mostly plot driven.

    If you want to really know and care about characters while reading, I wouldn't recommend this book.

    It gets a bit rushed and feels a touch too thinly sketched out towards the ending, but it's still fascinating, engaging and quite mind boggling.

Read and Wright · 2020-03-16
exciting 4.50

The book is described as a wild futuristic ride that puts a lot into perspective. It blends science fiction with action thriller elements.

This reviewer found 'Recursion' to be a thrilling and thought-provoking read. They highlight its futuristic elements and the way it blends science fiction with a save-the-world action thriller narrative. The book is described as a wild ride that puts a lot into perspective, making it a compelling escape into a complex and engaging story. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of genres and the depth of the narrative, which makes it stand out.

Quick quotes

    The only way to describe this book is a WILD futuristic ride that puts a lot into persepctive.

    YA Fantasy. A Court ...

    Recursion by Blake Crouch—

Simone and Her Books · 2019-07-11
exciting 4.00

The novel is praised for its action-packed plot and accessible scientific concepts. The science is well-integrated and fits the theme of recursion effectively.

The reviewer found the book to be an exciting and engaging read, particularly appreciating how the scientific elements are woven into the story without being overly complex. They highlight that the concept of recursion is well-explained and adds depth to the narrative. The action-packed nature of the book keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Quick quotes

    It's an action-packed novel with a scientific bend to it.

    The science isn't too difficult to understand and fits into the definition of 'recursion' very well.

    The first third of the novel is actually a pretty neat introduction to a sci-fi thriller.

The New York Times · 2019-06-11
thought-provoking 4.50

The book explores profound themes of identity and memory, making it a thought-provoking read. It is described as a mind-bending thriller that delves into what makes us human.

The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of deep philosophical questions about identity, memory, and what it means to be human. They describe it as a thrilling and intellectually stimulating read that challenges the reader to think about the nature of reality. The book's ability to blend science fiction with profound philosophical inquiries is particularly noted.

Quick quotes

    Blake Crouch's alternate-reality thriller, 'Recursion,' explores identity, memory and the very things that make us human.

    It's astonishing the amount of intriguing, adventurous, terrifying, emotional, philosophical, and even inspirational themes packed into this novel.

    The book reads like a relative of those late night college conversations about Big Questions.

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