[Review] Recursion - Blake Crouch

Summary: 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.

Neuroscientist Helena Smith already understands the power of memory. It’s why she’s dedicated her life to creating a technology that will let us preserve our most precious moments of our pasts. 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? (Pub Date: Jun 11, 2019)

I couldn't read his previous book but I remember really wanting to and then hearing about the hype and wanting even more. Luckily, I could get my hands on this one.

Unfortunately, it wasn't that good. A 3.5 with not enough to be rounded up.

We follow the stories of Helena, who's trying to come up with a machine to save the memories of those with Alzheimer's and the like, and of Barry, a cop whose life took a dive when his teenage daughter was run over and killed. The effects of Helena's experiment will reach Barry when cases of false memories drive people to suicide, and it all goes back to her invention.

 Crouch has a style that at first made me think of Michael Crichton but later I decided he's more like Stephen King. I don't really know this for a fact, but I'm not so sure he plans so much before writing. It does make the read interesting when not even the author knows for sure where it'll go, but especially in a book surrounding time travel, it felt like going in circles at times.

Still, the idea of traveling back in time through memories is indeed interesting—that's what made me initially think of Crichton. The how and the details kept me glued to the book for most of it, and the writing is good enough for the genre. It's easy to be swallowed by the stories, the two main characters are relatable, too. As you can see, it has the elements of a nice read.

At the same time, it just stays there. Nice. Those who enjoy this science-fiction thriller genre will like this enough, but I don't see it marveling many. The whole theory behind the travels is weak and so are the plot twists. I don't remember feeling an inch surprised.

I do remember enjoying my time, though. Grab this book if you're need to something of the kind, you won't be disappointed.

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

Rating: 3 out of 5.