Exhalation

From an award-winning science fiction writer (whose short story 'The Story of Your Life' was the basis for the Academy Award-nominated movie Arrival), the long-awaited second collection of stunningly original, humane, and celebrated short stories.

**THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER/b>From the acclaimed author of Stories of Your Life and Others - the basis for the Academy Award nominated film Arrival - comes a groundbreaking second collection of short fiction: nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories.In 'The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate', a portal through time forces a fabric-seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and the temptation of second chances. In the epistolary 'Exhalation', an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications not just for his own people, but for all of reality. And in 'The Lifecycle of Software Objects', a woman cares for an artificial intelligence over twenty years, elevating a faddish digital pet into what might be a true living being. Also included are two previously unpublished stories: 'Omphalos' and 'Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom'.In Exhalation, Ted Chiang wrestles with the oldest questions on earth - What is the nature of the universe? What does it mean to be human? - and ones that no one else has even imagined. And, each in its own way, the stories prove that complex and thoughtful science fiction can rise to new heights of beauty, meaning, and compassion.

As perfect a collection of stories as I have ever read

Préface
From an award-winning science fiction writer (whose short story 'The Story of Your Life' was the basis for the Academy Award-nominated movie Arrival), the long-awaited second collection of stunningly original, humane, and celebrated short stories.

Auteur

Ted Chiang was born in Port Jefferson, New York, and currently lives outside Seattle, Washington. In 1990 he won the Nebula Award for his first published story, 'Tower of Babylon'. Following this triumph, his stories have won him numerous other awards, making him one of the most honoured writers in contemporary science fiction.

The title story from his first collection of short stories, Stories of Your Life and Others, was the basis for the Academy Award nominated film Arrival.

Texte du rabat

'There are enough classic Chiang shorts to make the collection something special. "The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling", about a near-future in which fallible human memory is superseded by searchable digital video . . . In "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom" it is possible, via a kind of quantum iPad, to interact with versions of ourselves who made different choices at crucial life moments, and are living with the consequences in a different timeline . . . "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" is an intricate and delightful Arabian Nights-style yarn about a time gate; and the title story deftly creates an alien world, bounded by solid chromium, in which live touchingly thoughtful robotic creatures . . . Chiang at his best, and worth the price of admission on its own.' Guardian
'Reading this book felt like being seated at dinner with a friend, one who will explain the state of the sciences to you without an ounce of condescension, making you a participant in the knowledge.' New York Times
'Exhalation is a breath of fresh air . . . If there's an overarching theme, it's that we should take time to appreciate the miracle of existence and cherish the free will we have to pursue our destinies - while we still can.' Financial Times

Résumé

'One of the most exciting writers in science fiction . . . Although dark in premise, these parables threaded through with references to ancient mythology and folklore are filled with hope and humanism: a balm for anxious souls.' Daily Telegraph

*From the acclaimed author of *Stories of Your Life and Others the basis for the Academy Award nominated film Arrival comes a groundbreaking second collection of short fiction: nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories. These are tales that tackle some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries that only Ted Chiang could imagine.

'A collection of short stories that will make you think, grapple with big questions, and feel more human. The best kind of science fiction' Barack Obama

In 'The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate', a portal through time forces a fabric-seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past errors and the temptation of second chances. In the epistolary 'Exhalation', an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications not just for his own people, but for all of reality. In 'Anxiety is the Dizziness of Freedom', the ability to glimpse into alternate universes necessitates a radically new examination of the concepts of choice and free will.

In Exhalation, Ted Chiang addresses the most fundamental of issues What is the nature of the universe? What does it mean to be human? alongside others that no one else has even imagined. And, each in its own way, the stories prove that complex and thoughtful science fiction can rise to new heights of beauty, meaning, and compassion.

'Deeply beautiful stories . . . Each thoughtful, elegantly crafted story poses a philosophical question; Chiang curates all nine into a conversation that comes full circle, after having traversed remarkable terrain.' New York Times 'The 10 Best Books of 2019'

'Chiang's writing . . . inspires awe for the natural properties of the universe; it renders the fundamentals of science poignant and affecting.' Economist

'A scintillating cavalcade of ideas . . . Chiang breathes new life into well-worn SF themes such as time travel, artificial intelligence and parallel universes.' Financial Times 'Books of the Year'

Contenu
Chapter - 1: The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate Chapter - 2: Exhalation Chapter - 3: What's Expected of Us Chapter - 4: The Lifecycle of Software Objects Chapter - 5: Dacey's Patent Automatic Nanny Chapter - 6: The Truth of Fact, The Truth of Feeling Chapter - 7: The Great Silence Chapter - 8: Omphalos Chapter - 9: Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom Chapter - i: Story Notes Acknowledgements - i: Acknowledgements