Speed of Dark
{{Short description|2002 science fiction novel by Elizabeth Moon}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox book
| name = Speed of Dark
| title_orig =
| translator =
| image = SpeedOfDark(1stEd).jpg
| caption = Cover of (paperback)
| author = Elizabeth Moon
| illustrator =
| cover_artist =
| country = United States
| language = English
| series =
| genre = Science fiction
| publisher = Orbit Books
| release_date = 2002
| english_release_date =
| media_type = Print (hardback & paperback)
| pages =
| isbn = 1-84149-141-1
| oclc = 50526588
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
}}
Speed of Dark (released in some markets as The Speed of Dark) is a near-future science fiction novel by American author Elizabeth Moon.{{Cite web |last=Blaschke |first=Jayme Lynn |date=March 2003 |title=Speed of Dark - Elizabeth Moon |url=http://www.sfsite.com/03b/sd148.htm |work=SF Site |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506153712/http://www.sfsite.com/03b/sd148.htm |url-status=live }} The story is told from the first person viewpoint of an autistic person.{{Cite web |title=Fiction Book Review: THE SPEED OF DARK by Elizabeth Moon |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-345-44755-5 |work=Publishers Weekly |date=16 December 2002 |access-date=11 June 2021 |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611045331/https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-345-44755-5 |url-status=live }} It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2003,{{Cite web |url=http://www.sfwa.org/2011/05/nebula-award-winners-announced/ |title=SFWA - Nebula Award Winners |date=22 May 2011 |access-date=2013-03-21 |archive-date=2013-01-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130075207/http://www.sfwa.org/2011/05/nebula-award-winners-announced/ |url-status=live }} and was also an Arthur C. Clarke Award finalist.{{Cite web |url=http://www.clarkeaward.com/previous-awards/shortlists/ |title=Arthur C. Clarke Award - Shortlist |access-date=2013-03-21 |archive-date=2013-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130106124621/http://www.clarkeaward.com/previous-awards/shortlists/ |url-status=live }}
Plot summary
Lou Arrendale is a bioinformatics specialist who is autistic, and has made a good life for himself working in pattern recognition. A new manager at the firm where he works puts pressure on his department, where many autistic people work. Lou is pressured to undergo an experimental treatment that might "cure" his autism. Lou does not think he needs curing, but he risks losing his job and other accommodations the company has put in place for its autistic employees if he does not undergo it.
Lou struggles with the idea of going through this "treatment" for his autism while he pursues fencing with his "normal" friends and continues to go to work. His autistic friends, as well as himself, meet together after work and discuss what or what not to do.
Reception
Speed of Dark was released to high praise from reviewers. SF Site stated that "At worst, Speed of Dark is a magnificent character study. At best, it's the most powerful book you'll read this year", and Infinity Plus described it as "one of those exceptionally rare novels that have the power to alter one's entire worldview, and reading it is a profoundly rewarding and enriching experience."Grant, John. [http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/speedofdark.htm "The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130011650/http://www.infinityplus.co.uk/nonfiction/speedofdark.htm |date=2013-01-30 }}. Infinity Plus. Accessed March 22, 2013.
Jacek Dukaj reviewed it for Polish magazine Nowa Fantastyka.Jacek Dukaj. Głosy z mroku. Nowa Fantastyka 2005/4 s.74-75
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
- [http://www.elizabethmoon.com/books-nonseries.html#speed Speed of Dark at the official Elizabeth Moon website]
{{Nebula Award Best Novel 2001-2020}}
{{Autism resources}}
Category:American science fiction novels
Category:Nebula Award for Best Novel–winning works
Category:Novels by Elizabeth Moon