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A review by rorikae
Exhalation by Ted Chiang
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
'Exhalation' by Ted Chiang is an exceptional speculative short story collection filled with stories that utilize science and technology to explore philosophy, the human experience, and more. Chiang's stories are all expertly crafted. Each word and idea feels intentional and each story touches on a different aspect of the lived experience. I really enjoyed his first short story collection but I think this one is even better. It's hard to pick favorite stories because each approaches its topics in unique ways. A few that stood out include:
'The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," which touches on how people react to the possibilities of time travel and its ability to calm fears and regrets.
"Exhalation," which discusses a world built on air pressure reaching equilibrium and how this discovery effects an individual.
"What's Expected Of Us," a short but powerful story about free will and what happens when we stop believing we have free will.
"The Great Silence," about how humanity's quest for extraterrestrial life stops it from connecting with other species on Earth.
"Omphalos," about a world where the creation of man is proven by science and how faith is shaken by discoveries in the solar system.
"Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom," which looks at what would happen if branching worlds were able to talk to one another and how people would take advantage of this technology.
Each of Chiang's stories is accompanied by a note at the end of the collection discussing what inspired the story and what Chiang is exploring in the story. I love this as a way to peek behind the curtain of stories that are clearly so carefully thought-out. If you are looking for contemplative stories based on science and technology that delve into psychology and larger questions of the universe then you must pick up 'Exhalation.' A truly superb collection.
'The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," which touches on how people react to the possibilities of time travel and its ability to calm fears and regrets.
"Exhalation," which discusses a world built on air pressure reaching equilibrium and how this discovery effects an individual.
"What's Expected Of Us," a short but powerful story about free will and what happens when we stop believing we have free will.
"The Great Silence," about how humanity's quest for extraterrestrial life stops it from connecting with other species on Earth.
"Omphalos," about a world where the creation of man is proven by science and how faith is shaken by discoveries in the solar system.
"Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom," which looks at what would happen if branching worlds were able to talk to one another and how people would take advantage of this technology.
Each of Chiang's stories is accompanied by a note at the end of the collection discussing what inspired the story and what Chiang is exploring in the story. I love this as a way to peek behind the curtain of stories that are clearly so carefully thought-out. If you are looking for contemplative stories based on science and technology that delve into psychology and larger questions of the universe then you must pick up 'Exhalation.' A truly superb collection.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Grief, and Toxic friendship