Interesting look at what might happen when it becomes possible to (re)create consciousnesses technologically.

A brilliant short story toying with the concept of conscience and identity approached from a very different angle.

Loved it... loved it. Although it's caused widespread bitterness among those readers who see the story as promoting exclusively USSR-style politics - I understood the story as being more about the tenuous nature of imagination and the tension between what we envisage and what we actually achieve. Anyway, a very rewarding read.

Wow, this was fantastic! It took me a minute or two to really connect with the writing but once I did, it was so much more fun reading this story which hooked me in immediately. I loved following a man who died in 1994 simulated in 2064, watching him answer very intrusive questions from a woman who identifies as his biographer. She has an agenda, he had an agenda before he passed. And now, together, the two are on a mission, the same mission with maybe not so similar motives and ways to go about achieving said mission.

This brings me to saying that this is a story about how time changes, technology advances, and privilege prevails. It's a story about the lengths we'll go to see what we want to see. It's a frightening look at communication, control, and freedom in society and within ourselves as individuals. It's about perspective and wanting a better world and what we do to achieve that. Thematically, this story reminded me os USA's Mr. Robot among other titles. In other words, I loved it.

I loved how both reliable and unreliable Essie, the biographer and Matthew, the simulation were. It really makes you think, that's for sure. I enjoyed seeing how these two interacted, Matthew doling out trust but still keeping his distance and being protective of his secrets...Essie pushing every step of the way. Matthew was a fully fleshed character with a backstory and life that really shined. From his family to his coming out to his wife and everything in between and after. Matthew, dead, was so complex. That's so not easy to do in a short story so bravo! Such great pacing! And finally, I thought the story concluded in an incredibly clever, thought provoking way that will certainly leave readers with plenty to talk about afterwards. So if you've yet to read this short story, best be on your way to do so!

I've actually needed more of this story. The idea was simply brilliant and the main characters seemed intriguing, but there was no room for getting to know them. Still, the world built was good and the writing perfect for the mood of the story.

An interesting premise but it was way too under-developed for me.
Could do with more editing and clarity.

A future biographer prepares for the release of her next book.

I forgot how much I like Jo Walton's stories. This one shares some similar themes with the Small Change trilogy. Good stuff.

We make our own history, both past and future

everything George Orwell predicted in 1984 happened in the year 2064. Essie, a writer, is willing to chnage the world, with the help from beyond the grave. Matthew Corley, a deceased famous BBC director , is brought back to life with the help of a simulator.

This is a rich story, one of the few that makes you wish it was longer.

Read for free on tor.com