DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Fall or, Dodge in Hell

A speculative journey through life, death, and technology

Neal Stephenson author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:20th Feb '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Fall or, Dodge in Hell cover

This novel explores a world where mortality is redefined, challenging the characters to confront the consequences of their choices. Fall or, Dodge in Hell raises profound questions about life and technology.

In Fall or, Dodge in Hell, the narrative unfolds in a world where the boundaries of mortality are blurred. This thought-provoking tale explores the implications of immortality, challenging readers to consider the ethical dilemmas that arise when humans gain control over their own life and death. The story revolves around characters who navigate this new reality, grappling with the power and responsibilities that come with such profound changes in existence.

The author, known for his compelling storytelling and imaginative worlds, takes us on a journey that intertwines technology with philosophical questions about the nature of life. As the characters confront their own mortality, they are faced with choices that could alter the fabric of society. The weight of their decisions reveals the darker, more corruptible aspects of human nature, leading to a gripping exploration of what it truly means to be alive.

Fall or, Dodge in Hell is not just a tale of survival; it is an epic saga that delves into the human condition, the quest for power, and the consequences of our actions. With a blend of speculative fiction and profound insights, this novel invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs about life, death, and the future that awaits us. The author's masterful prose ensures that this story resonates long after the final page is turned.

Praise for FALL OR, DODGE IN HELL:

‘It keeps you reading, it makes you think, and, by the end, it generates that sense of wonder that is the very lifeblood of science fiction’ Guardian

‘A staggering feat of imagination, intelligence and stamina… The result is a story that touches on society, technology, spirituality and even eschatology, a far-reaching attempt at a grand myth that is breathtaking in scope and ambition… a one-of-a-kind synthesis of daring and originality, unafraid to venture into wild and unmapped conceptual territory’ New York Times

‘One of the great novels of our time’ Wall Street Journal

‘Captivating … The passages set in the real world display all of Stephenson’s usual witty brilliance when it comes to technology and culture’ Washington Post

‘[Stephenson is a] speculative-fiction virtuoso… There are enough futuristic, envelope-pushing ideas here, especially related to AI and digital consciousness, to keep even nonfans and science buffs intrigued. Best-selling Stephenson is cutting-edge and his followers and all readers intrigued by shrewd speculative fiction will queue up’ Booklist Starred Review

‘An audacious epic’ Kirkus, Starred Review

‘There's no part of this book that doesn't chug and hum with that big-brain energy of near-future extrapolation that Stephenson's fans love him for… Stephenson's greatest strength as a writer has always been that he sees just a little bit further and a little bit clearer than the rest of us do’ NPR

‘Elegantly written’ SFX

‘A feat of mind-blowing adventure powered by deep existential questions’ Slate

‘Gripping … a fantasy-science-fiction adventure story that is closer to reality than you might think’ The Week

ISBN: 9780008168858

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 48mm

Weight: 620g

720 pages