Short Story Review: Sleeper by Jo Walton

This review is part of Melody’s Summer Reading: Diversity Spotlight. Enjoy!

Sleeper by Jo Walton
Cover illustrated by Wesley Allsbrook
Release Date: August 12, 2014
Publisher: Tor.com
Genre: Science Fiction, Short Story
Source: Read online
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History is a thing we makeā€”in more senses than one. And from more directions.

Wow, this was fantastic! It took me a minute or two to really connect with the writing but once I did, it was so much more fun reading this story which hooked me in immediately. I loved following a man who died in 1994 simulated in 2064, watching him answer very intrusive questions from a woman who identifies as his biographer. She has an agenda, he had an agenda before he passed. And now, together, the two are on a mission, the same mission with maybe not so similar motives and ways to go about achieving said mission.

This brings me to saying that this is a story about how time changes, technology advances, and privilege prevails. It’s a story about the lengths we’ll go to see what we want to see. It’s a frightening look at communication, control, and freedom in society and within ourselves as individuals. It’s about perspective and wanting a better world and what we do to achieve that. Thematically, this story reminded me os USA’s Mr. Robot among other titles. In other words, I loved it.

I loved how both reliable and unreliable Essie, the biographer and Matthew, the simulation were. It really makes you think, that’s for sure. I enjoyed seeing how these two interacted, Matthew doling out trust but still keeping his distance and being protective of his secrets…Essie pushing every step of the way. Matthew was a fully fleshed character with a backstory and life that really shined. From his family to his coming out to his wife and everything in between and after. Matthew, dead, was so complex. That’s so not easy to do in a short story so bravo! Such great pacing! And finally, I thought the story concluded in an incredibly clever, thought provoking way that will certainly leave readers with plenty to talk about afterwards. So if you’ve yet to read this short story, best be on your way to do so!

Sleeper by Jo Walton is available today.