Recursion Review

by Blake Crouch

Rating: 5/5

MEMORY MAKES REALITY.

That's what New York City cop Barry Sutton is learning, as he investigates the devastating phenomenon the media has dubbed False Memory Syndrome—a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived.

That's what neuroscientist Helena Smith believes. It's why she's dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious memories. If she succeeds, anyone will be able to re-experience a first kiss, the birth of a child, the final moment with a dying parent.

As Barry searches for the truth, he comes face to face with an opponent more terrifying than any disease—a force that attacks not just our minds but the very fabric of the past. And as its effects begin to unmake the world as we know it, only he and Helena, working together, will stand a chance at defeating it.

But how can they make a stand when reality itself is shifting and crumbling all around them?

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Content Warning: Suicide, Death of a loved one + child

I wouldn’t say I pride myself on not crying at books. I have, but it takes a lot. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve cried at books. And I don’t just mean teary-eyed. I mean, actual tears. This book managed that. I cried at the end of this one, full-on sobs.

I found the ending to be perfectly bittersweet! I couldn’t have imagined a better ending. Any other way wouldn’t have been nearly as powerful.

Throughout the entirety of this book, we’re thrust into an ever-involving world of science. One full of emotions, heartbreak, and just utterly mind-wrenching. And I loved every moment.

What made all these emotions even stronger is the “realness” of the premise. While I know it’s not real, that little thought in my head of “but it could be. Just what if” is so strong and prevalent. I truly hope nothing like this ever comes into existence. It creates a frightening view of a future for humanity.

I didn’t know what to expect, but I found myself unable to put this down as I devoured page after page. I don’t even want to say anything more without risk of spoiling anything!

But if you enjoy science fiction, where it plays with real life and science technology, I strongly recommend picking this up! From start to finish, I loved this deeply. It took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Easily a new favorite for me!