As a programmer for Galapagos Wetware, Hal Briggs is responsible for writing the genetic code for simple, efficient creatures to be employed in menial jobs–sweeping streets or washing dishes. But the demands for “wetware” are changing, and Briggs is given a project that calls for more sophisticated models: clients are demanding more human appearance and behavior.
As the project progresses, Briggs finds himself endowing the new models with more than the specifications dictate, giving them distinct personalities and talents and highly developed acumens. When two of his pet projects, Jack and Kay, escape, Briggs reexamines their codes and makes a terrifying yet provocative discovery.
From Craig Nova, a master of the modern novel, comes a tale eerie in its vision of a future not far off, of a world precariously close to today’s.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
When mainstream writers break the unwritten rule of literary realism (don't consider the future) and venture into science-fictional territory, the resulting novel can be brilliant (Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale) or weak (Paul Theroux's O-Zone). Literary author Craig Nova's futuristic novel Wetware does not achieve the brilliance of Atwood (or of literary SF writers like Ursula K. Le Guin or Maureen F. McHugh), but his novel is very good, and will please most readers of both mainstream and SF literature.
Briggs is a biotech programmer, creating mice that say "I met you at the Seattle World's Fair" and beavers that sing a toothpaste jingle. Now he's lead designer on the project to create "creatures more like humans than the originals," engineered to do "the worst jobs, the ones that most people didn't want to do." Designing the male and female prototypes, Briggs finds himself making additions that aren't in the specs: a sense of beauty, musical talent, the ability to reproduce, the ability to love. The themes of Pygmalion and Frankenstein inform this intelligent, fascinating novel of humans with the godlike power to create new life. --Cynthia Ward
“A haunting, heart-stoppingly exciting, brilliantly structured novel of suspense, ideas, and subtle characterization. . . . You can’t stop reading.” –Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Book World
“If there is a scintilla of justice in the literary universe, more readers will finally sit up and take notice of this wonderfully gifted writer.” –Dorman T. Shindler, The Denver Post
“A constant thrill, a constant surprise . . . witty, marvelous, poignant.” –Ken Tucker, The Baltimore Sun
“Dealing with issues as hot as today’s headlines, Wetware explores the essence of what it means to be human.” –St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“[Wetware is] the wonderfully entertaining, and powerfully composed, invention of one of our best prose artists at work on new themes."–The Chicago Tribune
“Nova is a master of integrating fantastical elements into a familiar cultural landscape. . . . Wetware’s world is a nightmare of genetic science gone awry, but Nova’s description of its mores and inhabitants is icily appealing.” —USA Today
"The world Nova envisions is . . . fascinating to visit." –The Philadelphia Inquirer
"It is profoundly difficult to put a Nova book down. . . . The characters are chillingly real and Nova's story has lasting, visceral power." –The Burlington Free Press
"[Nova is] the finest working novelist in America. . . . [Wetware has] achingly unique characters . . . and evocative dialogue." –Las Vegas Mercury
"Sympathetic, mordantly funny . . . witty and poignant. . . . A surprise." –The Oakland Tribune
"Nova walks a fine line between noir and straight-ahead fiction in his taut, moody, and piercing novels." –Booklist
"A seductive and intelligent novel about love and freedom . . . moving." –Kirkus Reviews
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
US$ 6.55
Within U.S.A.
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.6. Seller Inventory # G1400031176I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.6. Seller Inventory # G1400031176I3N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.6. Seller Inventory # G1400031176I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00048762167
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_390737703
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Used - Very Good. 2003. Pap. Minor shelf-wear. Seller Inventory # SOL15598
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Powell's Bookstores Chicago, ABAA, Chicago, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Used - Like New. 2003. Small publisher's mark on bottom of text block. Otherwise, Fine. Seller Inventory # E23953
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Fleur Fine Books, Port Neches, TX, U.S.A.
TRADE PAPERBACK. Condition: New. Vintage. New. Vintage, Paperback, 2003, Book Condition: New; smal remainder mark, As a programmer for Galapagos Wetware, Hal Briggs is responsible for writing the genetic code for simple, efficient creatures to be employed in menial jobs - sweeping streets or washing dishes. But the demands for "wetware" are changing, and Briggs is given a project that calls for more sophisticated models: clients are demanding more human appearance and behavior. As the project progresses, Briggs finds himself endowing the new models with more than the specifications dictate, giving them distinct personalities and talents and highly developed acumens. When two of his pet projects, Jack and Kay, escape, Briggs reexamines their codes and makes a terrifying yet provocative discovery. From Craig Nova, a master of the modern novel, comes a tale eerie in its vision of a future not far off, of a world precariously close to todayÂ's. . 2003. TRADE PAPERBACK. Seller Inventory # 9781400031177
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Irish Booksellers, Portland, ME, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 23-1400031176-G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AHA-BUCH GmbH, Einbeck, Germany
Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. Neuware - As a programmer for Galapagos Wetware, Hal Briggs is responsible for writing the genetic code for simple, efficient creatures to be employed in menial jobs-sweeping streets or washing dishes. But the demands for 'wetware" are changing, and Briggs is given a project that calls for more sophisticated models: clients are demanding more human appearance and behavior.As the project progresses, Briggs finds himself endowing the new models with more than the specifications dictate, giving them distinct personalities and talents and highly developed acumens. When two of his pet projects, Jack and Kay, escape, Briggs reexamines their codes and makes a terrifying yet provocative discovery. From Craig Nova, a master of the modern novel, comes a tale eerie in its vision of a future not far off, of a world precariously close to today's. Seller Inventory # 9781400031177
Quantity: 2 available