nicklindgren's review against another edition
4.0
An engaging sci-fi novella about a dealer in Authenticities (non-reproduction objects) and Captures (audio/visual files of experiences) who gets cut off from all network services, as well as the personal AI that she has come to rely on. The story has been written on the typewriter she found during her time off the grid. The world-building is immersive without drowning out the story, and the book as a whole is a charming meditation on the reality of things remembered, forgotten, and documented.
And like most good novellas, I wish it was much longer.
And like most good novellas, I wish it was much longer.
emglange's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful view of a future world that is not so unlike our own. Extremely enjoyable.
schnoebs13's review against another edition
4.0
Finding and purchasing long forgotten items from society’s past is a job that Katya has grown to love. While trying to get back in time for her train, she finds herself stuck waiting for a herd of deer to cross. This moment though costs her dealer and forces her off the grid, out of connection with society, and in the path of someone she desperately wishes she didn’t encounter. Now she’s typing up her story for a client but she doesn’t know how to get anyone to believe her.
I really enjoyed this story. Not something I highly anticipated but I ended up connecting with it on many levels. This is a not so distant future where we find society heavily relying on AI for their day to day. The issues with people trying to remember without AI was a fascinating concept and as someone who doesn’t remember a lot of life details, I could see how easy it would be to quickly rely on that technology to bring up details you just don’t have. I also really enjoyed the whole concept of a future where they put such a high value on nature that you get heavily fined for disturbing it. The ways in which they track this and how connected life is to technology is something I can easily see happen. Lastly, the direction in which this took was really interesting and I really enjoyed the weird twist in the end for why Katya feels like no one believes her. There’s so much packed into such a small story and I can easily see myself reflecting on it for a long time.
I really enjoyed this story. Not something I highly anticipated but I ended up connecting with it on many levels. This is a not so distant future where we find society heavily relying on AI for their day to day. The issues with people trying to remember without AI was a fascinating concept and as someone who doesn’t remember a lot of life details, I could see how easy it would be to quickly rely on that technology to bring up details you just don’t have. I also really enjoyed the whole concept of a future where they put such a high value on nature that you get heavily fined for disturbing it. The ways in which they track this and how connected life is to technology is something I can easily see happen. Lastly, the direction in which this took was really interesting and I really enjoyed the weird twist in the end for why Katya feels like no one believes her. There’s so much packed into such a small story and I can easily see myself reflecting on it for a long time.
feelingferal's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable short story with layers to it. This is my first experience with Mary Robinette’s work and I am intrigued to seek out more of it.
ateanalenn's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Took me a few minutes to get in it, but then I was rather hooked even though the intentional typos are really annoying. But creepy as hell, even knowing that the girl got out safely.
It's a very good story, but unfortunately not my kind of story because you end up with more questions than answers.
It's a very good story, but unfortunately not my kind of story because you end up with more questions than answers.
tehani's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of those books where you get to the end of the story and start grumbling that it’s not a novel. Or for that matter, a series of novels that let you have more of this character, more of this world, more of the twisty ideas threading throughout the piece which tug at ideas that are bigger than the story being told.
Read my full review here
Read my full review here
sophiassanctuary's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
blevins's review against another edition
3.0
Fun novella about vanished artifact dealer in the future who gets tangled up in some illegal deer business in the woods. That's kind of the plot. I liked the typewriter angle--I have three I use from time to time myself [an Olivetti from the 1970s and two from the 1950s--a Groma from West Germany and a Smith-Corona].
thearosemary's review against another edition
2.0
I’ll admit my main attraction to FOREST OF MEMORY was the cover. I mean, it’s stunning. But when it came time to reading it, I couldn’t get invested.
This is more of a sci-fi story which I wasn’t quite expecting, and I’m fine with that. My issue was there was lack of description for this world and character’s positions. Even when things were explained, I was still perplexed.
Kowal had this unique writing style, and I found it fascinating how she wrote from the main character’s perspective as if she had to write it down without the help of technology, adding typos and the like.
The last quarter of the book picked up and left me intrigued, but unfortunately, I didn’t fall in love.
This is more of a sci-fi story which I wasn’t quite expecting, and I’m fine with that. My issue was there was lack of description for this world and character’s positions. Even when things were explained, I was still perplexed.
Kowal had this unique writing style, and I found it fascinating how she wrote from the main character’s perspective as if she had to write it down without the help of technology, adding typos and the like.
The last quarter of the book picked up and left me intrigued, but unfortunately, I didn’t fall in love.
lyriclorelei's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I liked the inclusion of typos to tell the story... I just didn't care for the story.